Pharmac is proposing to fund two fixed‑duration combination therapies for people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL): venetoclax + ibrutinib and venetoclax + obinutuzumab, both from 1 May 2026.

You can read more on this here: Funding of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia with Ibrutinib + Venetoclax and Obinutuzumab + Venetoclax

These treatments would become available as first‑line options for all eligible people with CLL, offering more effective chemotherapy‑free regimens and the possibility of longer remission. 

Pharmac is requesting submissions on its proposal to fund:
1. Venetoclax and Ibrutinib
2. Venetoclax and Ibrutinib for people who haven’t previously received treatment for their CLL
 
The details of this are on the Pharmac website. People who are partially through either of these combinations, having self-funded them, will be eligible. 
Otherwise, as the proposal stands at the moment, it is only for people who have not previously had any previous treatment for their CLL. It is unlikely that Pharmac will make major changes to their proposal. 
This is a HUGE step forward and will mean that FRC chemotherapy is unlikely to be used very much at all. 

Consultation is open until 5pm, 4 March 2026, and Pharmac is seeking feedback from people with CLL, whānau, clinicians, and advocacy groups.

If this proposal affects you or someone you support, please consider making a submission to ensure your voice is heard.

Here is the link to submit your feedback: Pharmac Proposal to fund two medicine combinations for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)