PHARMAC will begin funding for the prostate cancer treatment abiraterone acetate (Zytiga) from 1 May 2015, potentially benefiting up to 1,000 men annually.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly-diagnosed form of cancer among New Zealand men. Funding for abiraterone will be for men with an advanced form of prostate cancer, called metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Men will be able to receive funded abiraterone tablets either before or after chemotherapy.

The funding comes as part of a multi-product agreement with Janssen, which includes the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment Concerta; Topamax, a treatment for epilepsy; and Eprex, a treatment for anaemia.

Savings and rebates in the multi-product agreement have helped reduce the overall cost of abiraterone.

“PHARMAC is always looking to fund new treatments that provide health gains for patients,” says Director of Operations Sarah Fitt.

For more details, go to: http://www.pharmac.health.nz/news/media-2015-04-08-abiraterone-funding/