Pharmac have, today, announced they will fund subcutaneous ocrelizumab for multiple sclerosis.
Multiple Sclerosis NZ and the wider MS community warmly welcome this landmark decision, bringing renewed hope to the lives of those affected by MS. We hope this decision is the first of many in improving patient experiences, access to treatments and system improvements.
The availability of six-monthly subcutaneous injections marks a major shift from time-consuming hospital infusions and disruptions to work, family and daily commitments. It will restore independence and allow people to get on with their lives. Importantly, it also helps overcome long-standing barriers to access and inequity, ensuring treatment decisions are guided by clinical need, not logistics.
MS treatments are life changing, but we acknowledge they use significant resources. We’re pleased to be play a part in reducing demands on infusion centres, opening access for New Zealanders with other infusion treatment needs to get the life-saving medicines so desperately needed.
Multiple Sclerosis NZ has long championed access to therapies that make life easier for people with MS. We remain committed to ensuring every New Zealander living with MS can benefit from advances like this and continue to thrive.
Read the full announcement here on the Pharmac website.