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 […]
Ocrelizumab Subcut Receives Medsafe Registration as Pressure Mounts to Fund Wider Range of MS Treatment Options
Photo by Kristine Wook, Unsplash. Medsafe have approved the registration of Ocrevus ® Subcutaneous (SC) (ocrelizumab and hyaluronidase) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). The announcement on 24th April is welcomed by Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand. “The registration of Ocrevus SC is […]
Press Release: Pharmac Funding Stalemate for “Life-Changing” Multiple Sclerosis Drugs
There are calls for Pharmac to “quit stalling” and fund four affordable treatments to significantly improve quality of life for patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in New Zealand – treatments which would also significantly reduce demand on New Zealand’s stretched health system. Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand (MSNZ) is drawing attention to its fight to have […]
Update: Siponimod (Mayzent) for Secondary Progressive MS
At the August 2022 meeting of PHARMAC’s Pharmacology and Therapeutics Advisory Committee (PTAC), Multiple Sclerosis NZ (MSNZ) made a submission in support of the funding of Siponimod (Mayzent) for Secondary Progressive MS. At this meeting PTAC recommended listing with low priority and have requested further advice from the Neurological Advisory Committee regarding appropriate Special Authority criteria. PTAC’s recommendation noted specifically the consideration of […]
Do you qualify for antiviral medication?
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and your symptoms started in the past 5 days and you are on Fingolimod or Ocrelizumab for your MS, you may be eligible for antiviral medication to treat COVID-19. Your GP can prescribe this for you. The antiviral drug available in the community to treat COVID-19 is called […]