Paxlovid Access Shifts: Wholesalers to Stock Antiviral from September 2025
WELLINGTON, NZ – Access to the COVID-19 antiviral Paxlovid will undergo a significant change next year, with wholesalers gaining the ability to purchase stock beginning September 12, 2025. The move signals a transition in how the medication is distributed across New Zealand, impacting pharmacies, hospitals, and ultimately, patient access to a key treatment for the virus.
Currently managed largely through pharmac-owned stock, the change aims to ensure a sustainable supply of Paxlovid as the national response to COVID-19 evolves. While Pharmac will continue to maintain a supply until October 1, 2025, both Pharmac-owned and supplier-owned stock will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule from that date, meaning claims will be processed differently. This shift requires pharmacies and healthcare providers to carefully track batch numbers to determine claim eligibility.
Pharmac-owned Paxlovid, currently available from wholesalers, will remain free of charge and can be used until its expiry date. Available batches include LC4337 and LA6262 (expiring September 30, 2025), LE2880 (expiring October 31, 2025), and LK1195 (expiring November 30, 2025). These batches are not to be claimed.
From October 1, 2025, wholesalers will offer supplier-owned paxlovid – such as batch LY8038, expiring June 30, 2026 – which is eligible for claiming. wholesalers will collaborate with pharmacies and Health NZ Hospitals to facilitate the distribution of appropriate stock.
Pharmacies and wholesalers can dispose of any expired Pharmac-owned Paxlovid stock through their standard procedures. This transition is part of Pharmac’s ongoing management of antiviral access criteria and supply chain logistics.
