4 May 2016 - As part of PHARMAC’s 2015/16 annual Invitation to Tender, PHARMAC is proposing to widen access to fully-funded temozolomide for the treatment of neuroendocrine tumours and high grade gliomas.

A decision has not been made on the presentations in the tender so the brand names, pricing and timing for these changes, if they were to be implemented, is still to be determined; however, PHARMAC is seeking your feedback on the proposed new investment and funding criteria.

In summary, PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to amend the Special Authority criteria applying to temozolomide to include:

• Treatment beyond 6 cycles for high grade gliomas – glioblastoma multiforme or anaplastic astrocytoma
• Treatment of metastatic or unresectable neuroendocrine tumours

For more details, go to: http://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news/consultation-2016-05-04-temozolomide/