Kiwis are missing out on newer and potentially more effective drugs because the government subsidises fewer medicines than Australia, researchers say.

The differences in the countries' funding policies are highlighted in an editorial published on Tuesday in the Australian Prescriber.

Lead author Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar, from Auckland University's School of Pharmacy, said data showed Australia spent $US587 ($NZ666) on pharmaceuticals per capita in 2011.That is roughly 22 per cent more than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average.New Zealand spent $NZ288, which is around 40 per cent less than the OECD average.Dr Babar also pointed to a study comparing the funding of cancer drugs across 13 economies in which New Zealand emerged as the country which reimbursed the fewest treatments.

For more details, go to: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/nz-govt-should-subsidise-more-drugs/story-fn3dxix6-1226989797144?nk=36c7e9768c2181947fd3e6ad057656f9