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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Press Release: Access to Life-Changing MS Drug “snatched away” Due to Staff Shortages
A celebrated Pharmac decision late last year to fund a vital drug for many Multiple Sclerosis patients has fallen flat – with dozens being turned away for treatment due to severely stretched resources across a number of services. Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand (MSNZ) says one particular Health New Zealand (HNZ) region – Canterbury Waitaha – […]
Ocrevus for PPMS – Your Questions Answered
Here’s what you need to know about Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) for Primary Progressive MS. Download PDF copy here: PPMS Ocrevus FAQ – 13 September 2023. What medicines are available to treat Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS)? There is only one medicine, Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab), that has been approved by Medsafe to treat primary progressive MS […]
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 […]
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 […]
ECTRIMS 2021 Conference Review
The 37th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in MS (ECTRIMS) was held online recently. The scientific programme comprised well-known session formats such as Scientific Sessions, Hot Topics and Meet the Experts, as well as live discussions between the international faculty and participants at the end of each session. Highlights in this […]