27 November 2020

On 23 November, PHARMAC informed us of its decision to transition funded access of dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) to a standard Special Authority from 1 December 2020. We welcome this decision, which improves equity of access of Pulmozyme for people with CF and reduces the burden of access.

What this decision means for people with CF

• Clinicians can apply for funding through the standard Special Authority application process instead of applying to the CF Panel.
• It removes the requirement for spirometry to commence treatment with dornase alfa or to renew access to dornase alfa for patients older than 5 years.
• It focuses the criteria on exacerbations rather than hospitalisations for all patients.
• There is one set of criteria for all patients with CF.

People with existing panel approvals will be transitioned as follows:

• All PWCF aged less than 5 years (ie aged 0 to 4 years) who have had at least one renewal approved will be automatically granted an approval which will be valid without further renewal unless notified.
• All PWCF aged less than 5 years who have not had at least one renewal will be automatically transitioned to an initial standard Special Authority with a 12 month approval.
• Any PWCF currently undergoing a one-month trial (aged 5 years and over) will be transitioned to a 12-month approval under the initial criteria.
• Any PWCF with a current life time approval will have their approval transitioned to a standard Special Authority approval which will be valid without further renewal unless notified.
• From 1 December 2020, Pulmozyme will be listed in Section B (the Community) and Part Il of Section H (the Hospital Medicines List) of the Pharmaceutical Schedule subject to eligibility criteria.

In October we submitted a feedback letter during PHARMAC’s consultation period to express our support of the transition. Read our feedback letter

Read more about PHARMAC’s decision