Statement from Richard Sullivan, Chief Clinical Officer Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand is moving forward implementation planning to ensure a small group of cancer patients can take advantage of free early access to the drug Keytruda shortly ahead of Pharmac starting to fund the medication.

Work has been underway for national implementation in seven weeks’ time with Pharmac due to start funding the drug from 1 October.

Further advice from Health NZ clinicians has confirmed we could manage the small number of patients concerned ahead of 1 October.

This means 20 to 30 patients are likely to access the new medication later this month. Health NZ estimates a total of at least 300 patients are likely to be eligible overall, including that early group of 20 to 30.

Implementation includes the Special Authority which defines eligibility to medications. This process is led by clinical advice informed by clinical trials and evidence.

Health NZ is also growing the workforce and putting in place infrastructure, such as infusion capacity, to be able to accommodate this additional need in the public system. 

Clinical leadership in both public and private healthcare are working together to ensure the safe transfer of patients who have been receiving the drug privately.

Patients will have to undergo the normal steps and preparation with their treating clinician, a process which can take a few weeks.

This implementation will support the National Health Target for Faster Cancer Treatment that aims to have 90% of patients receiving treatment within 31 days from decision to treat.