PHARMAC proposes to fund nivolumab (Opdivo)

May 4, 2016

PHARMAC Announcement

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to list nivolumab (Opdivo) on the Pharmaceutical Schedule through a provisional agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb from 1 July 2016 for patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

The proposal would mean that from 1 July 2016 nivolumab would be fully funded, subject to certain clinical criteria being met, for patients with metastatic or unresectable (advanced) melanoma.

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on this proposal.  Feedback should be submitted in writing by Friday 25 May 2015.  Further information is available here.

Context

PHARMAC has been carefully assessing the funding of PD-1 inhibitors for advanced melanoma since Medsafe consent was granted for pembrolizumab in September 2015. We have reviewed all the evidence about these treatments that has been submitted and, having received advice from our specialist advisors, it is our current view that nivolumab (Opdivo) has better quality clinical trials with data showing a more certain survival impact. We were also able to negotiate better commercial terms with the supplier Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Being an area of unmet health need, PHARMAC has been keen for its independent expert clinical advisors to carefully review the available evidence for such treatments as quickly as they can. A summary of that assessment process is set out in the Background section below.

For the avoidance of doubt, the funding application for pembrolizumab (Keytruda) remains open and PHARMAC will continue talking with its supplier, Merck Sharpe & Dohme. We remain open minded about future funding opportunities.

Source:
PHARMAC website

The MelNet Executive Committee feedback to PHARMAC can be found here.