New Zealanders to access "wonder drug" for the new year

People living with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer are now able to access a new drug which will allow hope for the future and time with friends, family and loved ones.

Pharmac has confirmed funding for Enhertu from 1 January 2025. Enhertu (also called trastuzumab deruxtecan or T-DXd) is a treatment being heralded by clinicians as the new wonder drug for advanced breast cancer.

In September, Pharmac began the consultation period for funding and individuals and groups, including Breast Cancer Foundation NZ and the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition made submissions regarding access and eligibility.

Thanks to these submissions, Pharmac has also confirmed people whose cancer has worsened after previously trying another drug called Kadcyla can have Enhertu, and that Kadcyla will still be available for those who can’t take Enhertu due to intolerable side effects. Both groups were initially excluded from Pharmac’s proposal to fund Enhertu.

This is wonderful news, and we know it will bring immense relief to people affected by advanced HER2-positive breast cancer.

Ah-Leen Rayner, chief executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, says “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.

The response from Pharmac is an example of the consultation process working well to ensure the needs and interests of New Zealanders living with breast cancer are at the forefront of all decisions.

“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.”

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ works closely with other patient advocate groups, and we are overjoyed with this outcome for New Zealanders. Libby Burgess, chair of the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition, 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 to see 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.”

Enhertu has become the standard of care internationally as the second-line treatment for HER2-positive advanced breast cancer. It has been funded in the UK since 2021 and Australia since last November.

You can chat with your medical team about eligibility for Enhertu. Alternatively, you can phone our nurses on 0800 226 8773 or email us at breastnurse@bcf.org.nz.