Cancer Control Agency releases analysis on funding of cancer drugs in Aotearoa

A new report, Understanding Blood Cancer Medicine Availability in Aotearoa New Zealand, has been released, examining the disparities in publicly funded blood cancer medicines between Australia and New Zealand.

This follows the 2022 report Understanding the Gap, which analysed the availability of general cancer medicines in Aotearoa.

Key findings from the 2024 report show that, as of January 2024, 24 blood cancer medicines were available in Australia but not in New Zealand, covering 42 treatment indications. Among these, 12 had substantial clinical benefits, including two intended to cure blood cancer.

However, since the report was conducted, Pharmac has funded four medicines, reducing the gaps to 36.

The report identifies remaining gaps for cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), and mentions Pharmac’s ongoing considerations to fund some of these treatments.

You can find a full and summary version of the report, along with frequently asked questions on their website