18919 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health

18919 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health: Has venetoclax been funded by Pharmac for the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia in patients who are unfit for intensive chemotherapy, if not, is it under consideration for funding?

Hon David Seymour: Yes, venetoclax is funded by Pharmac for the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia in patients who are unable to receive intensive chemotherapy. I am advised by Pharmac it has been funded since 1 May 2025. I refer the Member to the following link for more information: https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/2025-04-decision-to-widen-access-to-medicines-for-blood-cancer-inflammatory-bowel-diseases-eczema-and-rheumatoid-arthritis