Pharmac Extends Funding for Phesgo in Private Clinics Beyond 12-Month Limit

Pharmac has extended the 12‑month transitional access limit for the breast‑cancer drug Phesgo (pertuzumab with trastuzumab) in private clinics. The change follows requests from several treatment centres that the cap would cut off patients whose therapy usually continues beyond a year. Under the current policy, new cancer medicines funded after 1 July 2025 can be administered in private settings for up to 12 months. The extension will benefit about 15 patients expected to reach the limit in the next six to twelve months, allowing them to stay in their current care without moving to a public hospital. The decision keeps the 12‑month cap for all other cancer drugs, but acknowledges that Phesgo’s typical treatment duration differs from most other therapies.