New Zealand to Fund Additional Cancer Therapies

New Zealand’s Pharmaceutical Management Agency (PHARMAC) has decided to fund three additional cancer medications.

PHARMAC’s decision will allow broader access to vinorelbine for early stage operable nonsmall lung cancer, oxaliplatin for Stage III operable bowel cancer and paclitaxel for various cancers.

The agency estimates the drugs will benefit approximately 1,500 people annually.

PHARMAC spokesman Peter Moodie said the decision completes the allocation of additional funding provided by the Minister of Health for cancer medicines in the 2007 budget.