Proposal to fund two treatment combinations for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)

Pharmac is seeking feedback on a proposal to fund two new treatment combinations for people with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a type of blood cancer.

Under this proposal, venetoclax with ibrutinib and venetoclax with obinutuzumab would be funded as first‑line treatment options from 1 May 2026. These combinations aim to give people access to targeted therapies earlier, supporting longer‑lasting remission and reducing the need for hospital visits.

We have heard from clinicians and the blood cancer community about the potential health benefits of using these combinations at the start of treatment. Around 80–90 people each year are expected to benefit from one of the two combinations over the next five years.

We are now inviting feedback on this proposal via this link

Consultation is open until 5pm, Wednesday 4 March. You can provide feedback by emailing consult@pharmac.govt.nz, or using the online form linked in the consultation document.

Please feel free to share this consultation with others who may be interested.

Ngā mihi

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Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga | PO Box 10 254 | Level 9, 40 Mercer Street, Wellington

P: 0800 660 050 | www.pharmac.govt.nz