Proposal to list Roche's Neulastim and Actemra in New Zealand

New Zealand’s Pharmaceutical Management Agency PHARMAC has announce the approval of a proposal to list pegfilgrastim (Neulastim) for prevention of neutropenia in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy and tocilizumab (Actemra) for systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, from July 1, 2013, through an agreement with the local subsidiary of Swiss drug major Roche (ROG: SIX). This was the subject of a consultation letter dated April 12, 2013.

Neulastim will 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 per prefilled syringe (6mg per 0.6 ml) (ex-manufacturer, excluding GST). A confidential rebate will apply to Neulastim, which will reduce its net price. Neulastim will have protection from delisting and subsidy reduction until 31 December 2015.

Actemra will also be listed in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from July 1, 2013 at the following prices and subsidies (ex-manufacturer, excluding GST):