PHARMAC amendments to specified dose regimen for pembrolizumab and nivolumab to remain
August 21, 2020
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), nivolumab and pembrolizumab, have been funded since 2016 to treat advanced melanoma.
During COVID-19, PHARMAC removed the specification of dose regimen from the Special Authority criteria for funded nivolumab and pembrolizumab. This change was made to ensure practical access to treatments as needed. It meant that all patients could be administered treatment at fixed doses and extended intervals.
Following sector consultation, PHARMAC have decided to make this change permanent, continuing to allow flexibility of pembrolizumab and nivolumab dose administration.
During this time, radiological response monitoring requirements were also removed, however the requirement for radiological response as part of renewal applications will be reinstated. This will not be done prior to 1 December 2020 and at least one month's notice will be given prior to the change being implemented.