Pharmac’s announcement that they will fund the breakthrough medicine Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan, T-DXd) from 1st January 2025 for advanced HER2 positive breast cancer (HER2+ ABC) is fantastic news.
Libby Burgess, chair of BCAC, says: “We’re delighted to see this vital medicine funded given the outstanding results from clinical trials showing that Enhertu keeps the cancer stable for four times as long as the previous best treatment and increases length of life. We’re very pleased that Pharmac has listened to our feedback on its consultation and extended funding to include those whose cancer has already advanced on Kadcyla and to allow those who have unmanageable side effects with Enhertu to be treated with Kadcyla. The decision to fund will enable women and their families to get on with their lives without worrying about whether they can afford treatment.”
Ah-Leen Rayner, chief executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, says today’s news will bring immense relief to many Kiwis affected by breast cancer: “Enhertu really is a remarkable drug – rarely have we seen doctors so excited by the potential of a new medicine. Having Enhertu funded will mean women with HER2-positive advanced cancer will get the chance to live longer, happier and healthier lives without the financial strain of figuring out how to pay for it themselves – or go without.
“We’re so grateful Pharmac took on board our requests to remove the unfair eligibility restrictions it had originally proposed. Kiwis with advanced breast cancer desperately need more treatment options to give them the best chance of living a good life, and more collaborative working like this will go a long way to improve cancer medicines access in Aotearoa.”
Funded access to Enhertu will be granted to those whose cancer has progressed after prior treatment with trastuzumab for HER2+ ABC and those whose cancer has advanced within six months of anti-HER2 treatment in early breast cancer. Those already being treated with Enhertu will qualify for funding as will those who have been treated with Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine, T-DM1).
Enhertu is the international standard of care in HER2+ ABC, recommended in treatment guidelines across the world and funded in the UK in 2021 and Australia in 2023.
BCAC has asked for urgency from Pharmac in funding Enhertu for another group of Kiwis who have HER2-low ABC, a slightly different breast cancer, as trials have shown similar effectiveness in keeping this cancer stable and providing longer lives. The application for HER2-low funding went to Pharmac in April this year and is expected to be referred to a clinical committee for advice in 2025. BCAC has also asked AstraZeneca to rapidly set up an affordable cost share programme for those with HER2-low ABC until Pharmac funds it.
Read the joint BCAC BCF press release here.
Read Pharmac’s funding decision here.
Read BCAC’s submission on the Pharmac consultation here.
