Pharmac is seeking feedback on a proposal to widen funded access to antiretrovirals. If successful, the proposal would allow combinations of up to four of the highly effective HIV-treatment medications to be funded. The New Zealand AIDS Foundation has welcomed the announcement. Along with others working in the sector, it has lobbied to increase the number of subsidised antiretrovirals to four since 2007. NZAF Director of Positive Health Eamonn Smythe says developing resistance to antiretroviral therapy is a serious challenge in HIV treatment. "In the past, when drug resistance has developed, there have been limited subsidised options for people living with HIV in New Zealand," he says. "Combinations of four funded antiretroviral treatments have been available to people living with HIV in other countries. This proposal will greatly improve the options that HIV specialists have when prescribing for New Zealanders living with HIV." The NZAF says there are currently 1,100 to 1,200 people taking antiretroviral treatment in New Zealand, although the number of people with HIV is probably higher as many people do not need to start treatment for some time after diagnosis. Submissions on the proposal are open until Tuesday, 29 June. Feedback can be submitted in writing to: Greg Williams Therapeutic Group Manager PHARMAC PO Box 10 254 Wellington 6143 Email: greg.williams@pharmac.govt.nz
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 16th June 2010 - 3:44pm