Drug funding for cancer patients

November 2024 marks a significant milestone with the funding of cetuximab (branded as Erbitux) for advanced bowel cancer patients.

The funding comes after tireless campaigning by Bowel Cancer New Zealand and patient advocates who set up Givealittle pages to finance the life-extending drug.

The Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer NZ, Peter Huskinson, says the funding is a testament to the unwavering strength and determination of the bowel cancer community. Pharmac anticipates that about 380 patients will benefit from cetuximab in the first year of funding. This includes 140 people who have not received any prior treatments for metastatic disease and 240 individuals who have received one or more previous treatments. Around 60 people privately funding cetuximab could also move into the publicly funded setting.

Bowel Cancer NZ continues to call for cetuximab to be extended for BRAF-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer in combination with encorafenib, and for bevacizumab (Avastin) which has been on the Medicine Waiting List for 14 years, to be funded. “All around the world, patients, doctors, funding agencies, governments and pharmaceutical suppliers are doing better at reducing the delay in the availability of effective medicines through prompt assessment, responsible pricing, and timely appropriation of public funds. Lives depend on it.

We want what all Kiwis want for our loved ones – not to miss the chance for the best survival outcomes and additional months and years of life,” he adds. In the meantime, the group encourages all those affected by bowel cancer to seek support and to stay informed about new treatment options.