Ocrelizumab Subcut – Overcoming Barriers to Access – Pharmac Opens Consultation for Funding
After strongly advocating to Pharmac since July 2024, Multiple Sclerosis NZ welcomes the announcement today that Pharmac is opening public consultation for the funding of subcutaneous Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus). This funding comes as part of a multi-medicine deal between Pharmac and Roche. Ocrevus Subcutaneous (SC) is delivered by injection under the skin rather than by intravenous […]
Help Shape the Future of Disability Funding
Consultation is underway across the country to help shape future disability funding and service models. This is your opportunity to have your say and we encourage you to do so, now more than ever. Note: This consultation is for people who receive essential disability support after an assessment from a NASC or EGL site. This […]
When no news is not good news: Shingrix Vaccination
Recently, Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand (MSNZ) wrote to Pharmac to express our immense disappointment with their Health Technologies Assessment (HTA) process, the treatment funding assessment process, and the impact this is having on the MS community. The varicella zoster virus, more commonly known as Shingles, is a viral infection which causes a painful rash and […]
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 […]
Are you on an Infusion Treatment?
At MSNZ we would like to understand more about patient experiences with infusion treatments. The first line Disease Modifying Treatment (DMT) options we have been successful in advocating for in NZ are considered some of the best in the world. Due to the availability of these treatments and adopting healthy lifestyle recommendations, people are reportedly […]
Clarification on Purchasing Rules from Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People
On Monday 18 March 2024, Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, announced changes to the purchasing rules for Carer Support, Individualised Funding, Enhanced Individualised Funding, personal budgets, and Choices in Community Living. On 24 April, following significant feedback from the Disability and Carers communities, Whaikaha has made amendments and changes to the purchasing rules and […]
Share Your Story – Sativex and Medical Cannabis
Sativex, or Cannabidiol with tetrahydrocannabinol, is an add-on treatment approved by Medsafe for symptom improvement in patients with moderate to severe spasticity due to multiple sclerosis (MS). It is indicated for people who have not responded adequately to other anti-spasticity medication and who demonstrate clinically significant improvement in spasticity related symptoms during an initial trial […]
Immediate changes to Disability Support Funding – Have your say
Yesterday, 18 March, Whaikaha, Ministry of Disabled People announced immediate changes to disability support funding purchasing rules. These rule changes impact those on: Carers Support (CS) Individualised Funding (IF) Enhanced Individualised Funding (EIF) Choices in Community Living Enabling Good Lives (EGL) personal budgets. These changes remove much of the flexibility of funding which has been […]
Call for Pharmac to Widen Proposed Criteria for Shingrix Funding
Pharmac announced, in February, it was looking to extend funded access to Shingrix, the new vaccination for shingles, to immunocompromised people over 18 years old. However, the proposal listed specific treatments and conditions eligible. While we were pleased to see people who are pre- or post-haematopoietic stem cell transplant included, we were disappointed that MS […]
Pharmax Sativex
In December 2023, Pharmac proposed to decline funding for inactive applications, this included an application to fund Sativex for MS spasticity. MSNZ has written to the Pharmac Board to ask that this application remain live and we be permitted to present more evidence regarding the patient’s need. Sativex is currently unfunded and costs approximately $300 […]