Pharmac backtracks on plan to fund lung cancer drug Keytruda
The move has dashed hopes that Keytruda would soon be publicly funded for lung cancer - New Zealand's biggest cancer killer. RNZ has obtained documents showing Pharmac had planned to offer a Request for Proposals, or RFP, where drug companies are asked to pitch their products and prices, but has put that on hold due to budget constraints. Chief executive Sarah Fitt told RNZ that Pharmac was concerned about rising drug prices worldwide in the Covid-19 pandemic and that it could not commit to funding the drug now - but still hoped to in the future.
Lung cancer patients and their advocates are devastated and said they had been given false hope. Keytruda is available in New Zealand but patients must fund it themselves. "So what we now have is 30 lung cancer patients continuing to die prematurely every week and you have to ask yourself, is that acceptable?" Fitt said funding a drug like Keytruda for lung cancer would have cost hundreds of millions over the next five years and Pharmac could not commit to that given the Covid-19 outbreak.
========================================================
Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️💥❔
What has a head but no brain?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
Boxing Day Alert! Grab a Mattress That Feels Out of This World
Ever wondered what it’s like to sleep on a mattress designed by NASA? Tempur started in space, and now it’s here to give you next-level comfort right at home!
Imagine a mattress that cradles every curve, reduces pressure, blocks your partner’s tossing and turning, and lasts for years. Side sleeper, back sleeper, or somewhere in between - there’s a Tempur just for you.
Even better? Perfect timing! Our Boxing Day Sale is happening now! It’s the perfect chance to grab your dream mattress and upgrade your sleep before the year ends.
Find your nearest Beds4U store: beds4u.co.nz...
Browse all Boxing Day deals: beds4u.co.nz...
Want to learn more about Tempur mattresses before you buy? Check out our guide here: beds4u.co.nz...
Neighbours, your dream bed is waiting - don’t let another sleepless night pass!
Loading…
