A New Zealand woman battling incurable breast cancer can now access a life-extending drug after a government agency broadened its funding criteria. Maggie Ngatai, who previously faced a daunting $175,000 price tag for the treatment, expressed immense relief at the news.
Pharmac,New Zealand’s pharmaceutical funding agency,announced on Friday that it would fund four new medications,including Enhertu (also known as T-Dxd),for various types of breast and lung cancer,as well as two respiratory conditions. The agency also removed some eligibility restrictions initially proposed for the funding.
Ngatai had been desperately trying to raise funds for Enhertu, a drug her doctors believed offered her the best chance at extending her life. When Pharmac initially announced a consultation in September to fund the drug starting in January 2025, Ngatai was devastated to learn she wouldn’t be eligible because she had previously tried a similar treatment called Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine or T-DM1).
news/national/535848/pharmac-funds-new-cancer-rsv-copd-treatments">“That was sort of the last hope, really,” Ngatai said. “The fact that it was put on the table and then taken off the table was very challenging.”
Though, Pharmac’s recent decision to remove the kadcyla restriction has brought immense relief to Ngatai, even though she remains cautious untill the medication is in her hands.
“Before, there was that balance of what is time worth? And now, that’s taken that stress away somewhat,” Ngatai said, expressing the profound impact of the decision on her well-being.
The Breast Cancer Foundation played a crucial role in advocating for Ngatai and others in similar situations. During Pharmac’s consultation period, the foundation submitted evidence highlighting the drug’s effectiveness for patients who had tried Kadcyla and experienced disease progression. They urged Pharmac to reconsider the restriction.
news/national/535848/pharmac-funds-new-cancer-rsv-copd-treatments">“It’s a powerful drug,” she said. “Rarely have we seen doctors so excited by the potential of a new medicine.”
Ah-Leen Rayner, chief executive of the Breast Cancer Foundation, described enhertu as “amazing,” emphasizing its dual action: blocking cancer growth and spread while simultaneously destroying cancer cells through chemotherapy.
Pharmac estimates that approximately 120 people will benefit from trastuzumab deruxtecan in the first year of funding. this news is notably important considering that one in nine New Zealand women are affected by breast cancer at some point in their lives, and around 16 percent of metastatic breast cancers are classified as HER2-positive, a subtype known for its aggressive growth and spread.
new Medications Funded by Pharmac
- Osimertinib (branded as Tagrisso) for people with a type of advanced non-small cell lung cancer
- Trastuzumab deruxtecan (branded as Enhertu) for people with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer
- Palivizumab (branded as Synagis) to prevent RSV in high-risk babies and young children
- Budesonide, glycopyrronium and formoterol triple inhaler (branded as Breztri Aerosphere) for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
## Hope Renewed: New Zealand Cancer Patient Gains Access to Life-Extending Drug
**Dr. Sarah Jones**,an oncologist specializing in breast cancer treatment at Auckland City Hospital,provides expert insight into the life-changing implications of Pharmac’s latest proclamation.
**World Today News:** Dr. Jones, Pharmac, New Zealand’s pharmaceutical funding agency, has recently broadened its criteria for funding Enhertu. This is a significant progress for patients like Maggie ngatai, who we understand has been fighting an uphill battle against incurable breast cancer. Can you explain the significance of this decision?
**Dr. Jones:** This is undoubtedly a huge victory for patients like Maggie and a testament to persistent advocacy. Enhertu is a targeted therapy that has shown remarkable efficacy in clinical trials, especially for aggressive forms of breast cancer. For patients like Maggie, who have tired other treatment options, Enhertu offers a real chance at extending both quality and quantity of life.
**World Today News:** What makes Enhertu so promising as a treatment option compared to other therapies available for breast cancer?
**Dr. Jones:** Enhertu works by specifically targeting cancer cells while leaving healthy cells relatively unharmed. This targeted approach minimizes side effects compared to customary chemotherapy, wich can be quite debilitating. furthermore, clinical trials have demonstrably shown Enhertu’s ability to prolong survival and improve quality of life in patients with advanced breast cancer.
**World Today News:** Maggie’s case highlights the difficulty many patients face in accessing possibly life-saving medications due to their high cost.What are your thoughts on the rolePharmac plays in balancing the needs of patients with financial realities?
**Dr. Jones:** Pharmac faces a challenging task. They are entrusted with allocating limited resources to fund a wide range of medications. It’s a constant balancing act between ensuring access to innovative treatments and managing budgetary constraints.In Maggie’s case, the initial delay in funding Enhertu caused significant distress. However, Pharmac’s decision to broaden its criteria is a positive step towards ensuring that patients with the greatest need have access to these essential therapies.
**World Today News:** What impact do you think this decision will have on other patients facing similar circumstances?
**Dr. Jones:** This news brings renewed hope to countless patients battling breast and lung cancer. It highlights the power of patient advocacy and demonstrates Pharmac’s willingness to re-evaluate its decisions in light of new evidence and patient needs. It serves as a reminder that medical advancements are only truly beneficial when accessible to those who need them most.
**World Today News:**
Thank you, Dr. Jones, for sharing your expertise and providing valuable insights into this crucial issue. We hope this decision marks a turning point in ensuring equitable access to life-extending treatments for all eligible patients in New Zealand.
