Health NZ is pleased to accept an offer from Roche to provide two medicines for people with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma until the end of February.

The medicines, Tecentriq (atezolizumab) and Avastin (bevacizumab) will be available free of charge as part of a bridging programme while Pharmac carries out consultation for funding bevacizumab (Vegzelma) and widening access to atezolizumab for people with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

“This is fantastic news for people who are currently accessing this treatment privately,” says Chief Clinical Officer Richard Sullivan.

“An estimated 66 people are diagnosed with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma each year. We’re pleased for the patients and their families who are expected to benefit from this treatment over the next few months.”

“This has been a hugely significant year for those living with cancer in New Zealand,” Cancer Control Agency | Te Aho o Te Kahu chief executive Rami Rahal said.

“Because of the boost to the Pharmac budget, we are seeing more cancer medicines become available to Kiwis. It means more people are accessing life extending and – in some cases – life saving medicines.”

Eligible patients will be accepted for treatment where clinically recommended. Health NZ’s usual approaches to prioritising and scheduling care will be applied.