4 May 2016 - A new generation melanoma drug is likely to be funded by PHARMAC after a $39 million boost for the drug-buying agency's budget was confirmed for next year.

Prime Minister John Key and Health Minister Jonathan Coleman confirmed an increase in funding in a pre-Budget announcement at PHARMAC's offices in Wellington this morning.

PHARMAC also announced it was opening consultations on seven new treatments across a range of health areas, including on Opdivo, a drug for advanced melanoma.It now has the money to fund all seven treatments in the long-term, PHARMAC confirmed.

About 350 patients a year will have Opdivo funded for them each year, it expects. Budget 2016 will boost PHARMACs budget by $124 million over four years.

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