IMG 0717 web size
IMG 0717 web size
1 Apr
Advocacy

PHARMAC, Medsafe, Vertex & CFNZ meet to discuss drug funding

1 April 2021

Earlier this week New Zealand edged a little closer to securing the latest CF modulator therapy, registered in other countries as Trikafta/Kaftrio.

In what is believed to be the first meeting of this type, PHARMAC, Medsafe, Vertex, Trikafta for Kiwis, and Cystic Fibrosis NZ met on Tuesday to discuss how we could work together to quickly get the triple combination therapy in the hands of people with CF.

Members of the CFNZ Clinical Advisory Panel presented a comprehensive picture of the urgent health needs of the CF community and the changes for those Kiwis already on the therapy.

Medsafe and PHARMAC spoke of their respective processes, and we are pleased to confirm that PHARMAC and Medsafe have agreed to consider applications concurrently to help shorten the time frame. Part of the meeting also included a private discussion between Vertex, PHARMAC and Medsafe.

We wish to thank all the participants for their willingness to attend and for the positive outcome of the meeting. CFNZ continues to urge Vertex to complete and submit its application to Medsafe and PHARMAC without further delay.

 

  • Read PHARMAC's full media release here >

 

  • Vertex responded to PHARMAC's media release, saying they're actively working on the documents for submission, and outlined their plan to request a priority review here >