Based on information from their website, PHARMAC has announced that lanreotide (brand name Mytolac) will be publicly funded in New Zealand from 1 March 2025 for several health conditions, including acromegaly.
This is a significant step forward for people living with acromegaly, offering greater access and choice when it comes to treatment.
🔹 What You Need to Know:
- Funding Start Date: 1 March 2025
- Medication Brand: Mytolac (lanreotide)
- Doses Available:
- 60 mg & 120 mg funded from 1 March 2025
- 90 mg funded from 1 April 2025
- Principal Supply Period: August/September 2025 to 30 June 2027
(Mytolac will be the main funded brand during this time.)
🔹 Why This Matters:
- People currently using long-acting octreotide can switch to lanreotide without needing a new Special Authority.
- The criteria for accessing lanreotide will mirror those for octreotide, making the transition easy and seamless.
- This decision helps address past supply issues with octreotide and ensures continued access to essential treatment.
- Lanreotide may also reduce travel and time-off-work demands for patients, improving quality of life.
🔹 Eligibility Criteria for Acromegaly:
- Initial Approval (3 months): For those where surgery or radiotherapy is unsuitable or unsuccessful, or as interim treatment before radiotherapy takes effect, and if dopamine agonists haven’t worked.
- Renewal (2 years): If IGF-1 levels have decreased since starting treatment.
- Treatment should stop if IGF-1 hasn’t dropped within 3 months. For those treated with radiotherapy, a 1-month break every 2 years is recommended to assess for remission.
🗣️ Acknowledging Community Feedback:
PHARMAC received strong support during its consultation process. Many highlighted that this funding would allow more flexibility in managing treatment schedules, reduce the burden of travel, and give people more autonomy in managing their condition.
💬 Questions?
You can contact PHARMAC directly at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz or call 0800 660 050 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm).
Acromegaly NZ 