New Zealand considers listing of Neulastim and Actemra

New Zealand’s Pharmaceutical Management Agency, PHARMAC, is seeking feedback on a proposal to list pegfilgrastim (Neulastim, sold by originator Amgen as Neulasta) for the prevention of neutropenia in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy, and tocilizumab (Actemra) for systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, from July 1, 2013, through a provisional agreement with the local subsidiary of Swiss drug major Roche (ROG: SIX). Comments will be accepted until April 29, 2013.

Under the proposal, pegfilgrastim (Neulastim) would be listed in Section B and in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from July 1, 2013 at a price and subsidy of NZ$1,080 ($908) per prefilled syringe (6mg per 0.6ml; ex-manufacturer, excluding Goods and Service Tax [GST]).

A confidential rebate would apply to Neulastim, which would reduce its net price to District Health Boards (DHBs) and the funder. Neulastim would have protection from delisting and subsidy reduction until December 31, 2015.