8 May 2017 - PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal for various oncology pharmaceuticals, including new listings and amendments to funding restrictions, to take effect from 1 July 2017.

In summary:

• Erlotinib (Tarceva) and gefitinib (Iressa) funding criteria would be widened to permit patients with non-small cell lung cancer to switch between treatments at any time due to intolerance.
  
• Nivolumab (Opdivo) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) funding criteria for treatment of patients with advanced melanoma would be amended to add a requirement for patients to have an ECOG performance status score of 0-2.
  
• Thalidomide (Thalomid) claiming category would be changed from “PCT only” to “Retail pharmacy”.
  
• A new 15 mg capsule strength of lenalidomide (Revlimid) would be listed from 1 July 2017.
  

Read PHARMAC consultation