Today Pharmac has released consultation on a proposal which means that from 1 June 2025 many advanced melanoma patients in New Zealand could have access to some melanoma drugs for which they were previously ineligible.
Melanoma New Zealand has been engaging with Pharmac advocating for increased funding for treatments for melanoma patients and providing technical expertise. Today’s proposal signals long-awaited progress.
The medicines are:
- pembrolizumab (branded as Keytruda) for stage 3B or more advanced melanoma that can be removed by surgery
- dabrafenib (branded as Tafinlar) and trametinib (branded as Mekinist) for melanoma with a BRAF mutation that:
– is stage 3B or more advanced and can be removed by surgery
– has spread around the body or can’t be removed by surgery
Pharmac’s proposal to broaden access to lifesaving and life-extending melanoma treatments would have a significant impact for many advanced melanoma patients, and help bring New Zealand further in line with international standards of care.
Pharmac’s full proposal is now here on its website and it is seeking feedback with a deadline of 4 April 2025. Melanoma New Zealand will be reviewing the proposal in detail in the coming weeks.