MS Brain Health Seminar: A Review
On 12th July 2024 Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand (MSNZ) co-hosted our MS Brain Health seminar in Auckland with the NZ MS Research Trust and MS Auckland. Thank you to all attendees that came to hear from our special guest speaker, Professor Helmut Butzkueven. Professor Butzkueven captured the audience’s attention, providing updates on the MS Brain […]
MS Brain Health Webinar: MS in NZ and the Hidden Symptoms – Recording Now Available
We invite you to join us to learn of MSNZ’s latest developments and hear from guest speaker German Neurologist, Dr Matthias Grothe, on the impacts of hidden symptoms of MS, and what we can do to alleviate them. Dr Matthias Grothe is a German neurologist specializing in the treatment of MS-patients. His outpatient clinic covers a […]
Media Release: New report calls for major change to Pharmac’s funding model
Pharmac’s decision-making process for funding drugs in Aotearoa New Zealand is in need of a major overhaul – according to a new independent report. The Milne Report, commissioned by Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand (MSNZ), says its time Pharmac based its funding decisions not just on the cost of a drug or medical device, but on […]
Update – Ocrelizumab for Primary Progressive MS in Canterbury
On Wednesday 15 May, Multiple Sclerosis NZ raised how critical workforce shortages are impacting patients with Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) access to time sensitive disease modifying therapies. A business case prepared by clinical specialists had been under review for five months asking for more resourcing to meet patient needs and ensure safe levels of working […]
Living Well with MS – Our NEW resources
We are thrilled to share with you our newest resources. Our Living Well with MS (LWWMS) booklet will provide you with a good overview of what multiple sclerosis is, what causes it, how it is diagnosed, the symptoms and treatment options and most importantly insights on how to live well with multiple sclerosis. The booklet […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Addressing the unmet need
Currently, only approximately 1900 of the over 4130 New Zealanders diagnosed with MS are able to access funded Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs). In particular, those with progressive forms of MS, Secondary (SPMS) and Primary Progressive MS (PPMS), have extremely limited access options. While not explicit in the DMT criteria wording, changes advocated for by MSNZ […]