Increased Funding For Melanoma Medicines Confirmed From 1 May 2026

Melanoma New Zealand recently provided feedback supporting Pharmac’s proposal to widen access to two medicines for advanced stage melanoma patients in New Zealand, while also asking Pharmac to consider several implementation issues. Today, Pharmac has published its response to the feedback and has confirmed that funding will go ahead from 1 May 2026.

New Zealand has one of the highest incidence rates of melanoma in the world, with over 8,000 melanomas diagnosed each year, and the highest mortality rate globally. This shift towards increased funding of melanoma medicines will play an important role in improving patient outcomes and helping to address New Zealand’s alarming skin cancer statistics.

For stage 3B to stage 4 melanoma patients, this could reduce the risk of melanoma returning and could mean less treatment is required for some people.

The medicines that will become more widely available from 1 May 2026 are:

• Nivolumab and Ipilimumab together for people with stage 3B to stage 4 melanoma that can be removed with surgery; and
• Nivolumab for people who require further treatment after surgery.

These medicines are immune checkpoint inhibitors, which block certain ‘checkpoint’ pathways, allowing the immune system to better fight certain types of cancer.

Melanoma New Zealand has been advocating for increased funding for treatments for melanoma patients and providing technical expertise.

“This will have a significant impact on the lives of advanced stage melanoma patients in New Zealand. It not only provides new treatment options, but it will reduce financial strain and allow patients and their families to focus on their health and wellbeing,” says Andrea Newland, Chief Executive, Melanoma New Zealand. “This change brings New Zealand more in line with international standards of care.”

Pharmac’s full decision is available here: https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/2026-04-decision-to-widen-access-to-nivolumab-and-ipilimumab-for-resectable-melanoma

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