New Zealand’s Pharmac Proposing to Fund Multiple Roche Biologics

Sep 24, 2025

New Zealand’s drug funding agency, Pharmac, has opened for public consultation a provisional agreement with Roche to fund a package of Roche drugs, including subcutaneous formulations of biologics previously only funded as IV treatments. The agreement includes the following biologics:

Avastin® (bevacizumab) for ocular conditions only. This represents a rare example of Pharmac funding two suppliers’ brands of the same biologic. Celltrion’s bevacizumab biosimilar, Vegzelma®, was awarded Principal Supply Status for all reference indications by Pharmac in February 2025. However, the agreement with Celltrion specifically allowed other brands to be funded for ocular conditions only.
Ocrevus® SC (ocrelizumab), alongside IV Ocrevus®. Most patients are expected to switch to Ocrevus® SC. No ocrelizumab biosimilars have been submitted for approval in New Zealand to date.
Phesgo® (pertuzumab and trastuzumab) for subcutaneous treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Roche’s Perjeta® (pertuzumab) and Celltrion’s Herzuma® (biosimilar trastuzumab) are already funded as separate IV infusions for people with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. It is expected that most patients receiving these in combination will now receive Phesgo® as it can be administered faster than the IV infusions, providing the same treatment benefit with less time spent receiving treatment.
Vabysmo® (faricimab) for diabetic macular oedema and wet age-related macular degeneration. Funding criteria will be the same as updated criteria for aflibercept (Regeneron’s Eylea®). Criteria for funding ranibizumab are also being updated.
Gazyva® (obinutuzumab) and MabThera® (rituximab) will have funding criteria updated. No MabThera® biosimilar is currently funded for rheumatoid arthritis to date due to Roche patent protection subsisting in New Zealand for that indication. Sandoz’s biosimilar rituximab, Riximyo®, is funded for all other (off-patent) indications.