Health Ministers David Seymour and Simeon Brown have announced their support for Pharmac’s plan to fund letermovir. This drug helps prevent serious infections in people who are having stem cell transplants.
“Improving access to medicines in New Zealand is important to patients and their families. That’s why it has been a focus of this Government,” Mr Seymour says.
Pharmac is proposing to fund a medicine called letermovir from 1 May 2026.
Under this proposal, letermovir would be funded for the prevention of CMV infection in:
- people who have had a stem cell transplant, and
- a small number of other people with severe immunosuppression who cannot use other funded antiviral medicines.
“For many people, stem cell transplants are lifesaving, but recovery can be tough,” Mr Seymour says.
“Clinicians involved in stem cell transplants and Pharmac’s clinical advisors told Pharmac that letermovir will help people with very weak immune systems, particularly when it’s used early after a stem cell transplant.
“Stem cell transplants are only carried out in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Many people must travel and stay away from home for long periods while their immune systems recover. Preventing a serious infection following a stem cell treatment could reduce hospital stays, take pressure off the health system, and could return patients who might have otherwise experienced complications home to their families faster.
“This proposal is about supporting the whole needs of the patient. Preventing complications means less disruption, fewer setbacks, and more time where people want to be – at home with their families.
“This Government has committed to increasing our stem cell transplant capacity. Pharmac recognise that as that capacity increases, more people will need this medicine.”
Mr Brown says improving cancer treatment and outcomes for New Zealanders is a key priority for the Government.
“Today’s announcement builds on last year’s funding boost to expand stem cell transplant services for patients with blood cancers and related conditions, enabling more people to access this critical, life-saving treatment sooner. Too many Kiwis have experienced distressing delays for these procedures, which is why boosting transplant capacity and reducing wait times is so important.
“This $27.1 million investment will strengthen the specialist workforce, increase hospital capacity, and upgrade infrastructure to support more timely stem cell transplants. It means between 27 and 38 per cent more patients will be able to receive allogeneic transplants when they need them, giving more people the best possible chance of recovery.
“This is about keeping people with cancer at the centre of our healthcare system. Alongside investment in new medicines through Pharmac and delivery of our Faster Cancer Treatment target, we’re focused on improving access, reducing delays, and ensuring patients get the care they need, when they need it.”