Posted by Michael Wonder on 09 Apr 2026
PHARMAC to fund two new combination treatments, and widen access to another, for people with a type of blood cancer
9 April 2026 - From 1 May 2026, people living with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia will be able to access two new funded treatment options, alongside wider access to another - changes that could mean fewer hospital visits and more time spent living their lives.
The decision includes:
- funding venetoclax with ibrutinib and venetoclax with obinutuzumab as first treatment options
- widening access to ibrutinib on its own as a second-line treatment
- changing the access criteria so that people who have been self‑funding venetoclax or ibrutinib can switch to the funded combination treatment
