Posted by Michael Wonder on 09 Jun 2023
PHARMAC breast cancer cost saving proposal welcome but ignores patients facing “dead-end”
8 June 2023 - Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is urging PHARMAC to widen access to an already funded treatment for Kiwi women with advanced breast cancer, as the drug buying agency today opens consultation on a drug switch proposal.
PHARMAC is considering replacing Herceptin (the brand name for the drug trastuzumab) with another company’s version called Herzuma, now that Herceptin’s patent has expired. Breast Cancer Foundation NZ welcomes this move as a cost saving measure that is safe and effective, but the charity is disappointed PHARMAC’s clinical advisors have recommended against providing it to certain patients who have run out of options.
