New Zealand's PHARMAC funds four new medicines as part of major agreement with Novartis

New Zealand's Pharmaceutical Management Agency PHARMAC has agreed to fund four new medicines for which there are currently limited medicine options. The medicines have been funded as part of a major multi-product agreement with Swiss drug major Novartis (NOVN: VX).

From November 1, funding will be available for glycopyrronium and indacaterol for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), omalizumab for severe allergic asthma, and an inhalation form of tobramycin, an antibiotic for cystic fibrosis. At present, there is only one medicine funded by PHARMAC for COPD.

Sarah Fitt, director of operations, said: “For example, patients with the more severe forms of allergic asthma are often admitted to hospital for treatment. Omalizumab is a new generation treatment for this form of asthma. It’s an injection that’s shown to be particularly effective in allergic asthma, and would likely help patients with the most severe forms better control their symptoms and avoid regular hospital treatment. About 180 patients over five years are likely to use omalizumab. Having two further funded treatments specifically registered for the treatment of COPD symptoms provides greater choice and the ability to tailor treatment to the patient.”