Media Release: “Relief” over Pharmac Decision to Fund First-Ever Treatment for Debilitating Form of Multiple Sclerosis
A seven year battle on behalf of hundreds of people living with the most debilitating form of Multiple Sclerosis has been won – with Pharmac agreeing to fund Aotearoa New Zealand’s first ever treatment for the disease variant from October 1st. Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand (MSNZ) says the decision to fund Ocrelizumab is hugely positive […]
Vaccine breakthrough offers hope against EBV for Multiple Sclerosis
Noting that this research is still in it’s early stages, we will be following the work from the team at Queensland’s QIMR Berghofer with interest as the research and development progress. A cutting-edge vaccine candidate developed by QIMR Berghofer has achieved potent and durable immune protection against Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in pre-clinical models, a breakthrough […]
Pharmacists: A Crucial Team Player in the MS Puzzle
Read our article in this months edition of Pharmacy Guild, describing just how important Pharmacists are in managing the comorbidities of MS.
MS in the News: Funded treatment for primary progressive multiple sclerosis
Te Pātaka Whaioranga – Pharmac has started a consultation today for widening access for two treatments; ocrelizumab (branded as Ocrevus) as the first funded treatment for primary progressive multiple sclerosis, and emicizumab (branded as Hemlibra) for the treatment of all people with severe haemophilia A. “We understand people living with these conditions are currently experiencing […]
‘Exhaustion and dread’ : Desperate carer calls for change
Speaking in support of the Carers Alliance petition, Maxine Hall, a carer for her husband with Multiple Sclerosis, speaks of her struggles and hopes that this campaign will at least raise awareness. View original article on Otago Daily Times: https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/exhaustion-and-dread-desperate-carer-calls-change A Mosgiel caregiver desperate for a break after averaging fewer than four days off […]
Media Release: Nationwide petition launched to fight “shocking” lack of fair support for carers
Media Release: Friday 5th June 2023 A powerful Alliance representing 56 national not-for-profits is demanding the Government stop “dragging its feet” to provide long overdue recognition and basic rights for the estimated one million largely unpaid New Zealanders struggling to care for whānau and loved ones. The Carers Alliance is now taking its fight to […]
Major announcement: Pharmac Initiates Consultation to fund Ocrelizumab for Primary Progressive MS.
Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand (MSNZ) is delighted to share that Pharmac have commenced consultation to fund Ocrelizumab for Primary Progressive MS. Currently, those with PPMS have no access to any disease modifying therapies. Ocrelizumab has been proven in trials to delay time to wheelchair by 7 years allowing people to continue working, supporting their families […]
Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand Wins Major International Award
Media release: Tuesday May 30th 2023 The health charity advocating for the more than 4100 New Zealanders living with multiple sclerosis (MS) has won a prestigious international award recognising its tireless eight year battle to have Pharmac widen access to vital drug treatments – with people now able to start their treatments earlier, stay on […]
Caring for the carers: the impact of MS on families
Multiple Sclerosis (MS), is a chronic, progressive condition that causes a host of symptoms, including vision loss, pain, fatigue, cognitive changes and impaired coordination. Many MS symptoms are unseen. The impact of MS on those diagnosed is life-changing and relentless. But what is often less considered, is the impact on family carers, many of whom […]
Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill Submission
Recently, MSNZ made a submission to the Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill. The intention of the proposed bill is to establish “a new legislative framework that addresses systemic accessibility barriers that prevent disabled people, tāngata whaikaha and their whānau, and others with accessibility needs from living independently and participating in all areas of life”. Following […]