Melanoma New Zealand welcomes progress for advanced
melanoma patients, following today’s announcement by
Pharmac of a proposal to widen access to two
medicines.
New Zealand has one of the highest
incidence rates of melanoma in the world, and the highest
mortality rate. This shift towards more funding of medicines
will play an important role in improving patient outcomes
and helping to address New Zealand’s alarming skin cancer
statistics.
For stage 3B to stage 4 melanoma patients,
this could reduce the risk of melanoma returning and could
mean less treatment is required for some people.
The
medicines that could become available from 1 May
2026 are:
- Nivolumab and
Ipilimumab together for people with stage
3B to stage 4 melanoma that can be removed with surgery;
and - Nivolumab for people who
require further treatment after surgery.
These
medicines are immune checkpoint inhibitors, which block
certain ‘checkpoint’ pathways, allowing the immune
system to better fight certain types of
cancer.
Melanoma New Zealand has been advocating for
increased funding for treatments for melanoma patients and
providing technical expertise.
“The impact this
could have on advanced stage melanoma patients is
significant. It provides new treatment options, can reduce
financial strain, and allows patients and their families to
focus on what matters: their health and wellbeing,”
says Andrea Newland, Chief Executive, Melanoma
New Zealand. “This proposal, if accepted, will bring
New Zealand more in line with international standards of
care.”
The full proposal is available on
Pharmac’s website
(https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/2026-02-proposal-to-widen-access-to-nivolumab-and-ipilimumab-for-resectable-melanoma)
and the deadline for feedback is 5pm, Monday 9 March
2026. Melanoma New Zealand will be reviewing the
proposal in detail in the coming
weeks.
Advertisement – scroll to continue reading
© Scoop Media