Pharmac to Fund Additional Brand of Methylphenidate for ADHD Treatment

Strategic Insights -

Pharmac, New Zealand's pharmaceutical authority, has announced that it will fund an additional brand of methylphenidate, a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), starting from December 2025. This decision follows public consultation and aims to improve access to ADHD treatment and alleviate ongoing supply issues. The new brand, Methylphenidate Sandoz XR, will be available in the same strengths as Concerta (18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, and 54 mg) and will be funded alongside existing brands, under current eligibility criteria.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pharmac will fund Methylphenidate Sandoz XR, an additional brand of methylphenidate, from December 2025 to improve access to ADHD treatment and ease ongoing supply issues.
  • The new brand will be available in the same strengths as Concerta (18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, and 54 mg) and will be funded alongside existing brands.
  • Around 3,800 people are expected to benefit from the new funding in the first year.
  • Pharmac's Chief Medical Officer, Dr David Hughes, stated that methylphenidate plays an essential role in supporting people with ADHD and that adding another brand will help increase the overall supply and reduce the likelihood of shortages.
  • The decision builds on earlier work done by Pharmac to ease ongoing supply issues, including funding lisdexamfetamine and removing renewal criteria for funded ADHD treatments in late 2024.
  • Pharmac received 149 responses to its public consultation, with most people supporting the proposal, citing reduced stress, improved access, and avoidance of treatment delays.
  • Some people raised concerns about ongoing supply issues, including the availability of the new brand and its potential impact on shortages.

Statistics:

  • 3,800 people are expected to benefit from Methylphenidate Sandoz XR in the first year.
  • Since September 2023, all brands and strengths of methylphenidate in New Zealand have been affected by global supply disruptions.
  • Ongoing supply issues are expected to continue into 2026 due to global demand, manufacturing limits, and restrictions on importing and exporting controlled medicines.
  • Pharmac received 149 responses to its public consultation.

Sources:

  • Pharmac's announcement (external link)
  • Contify.com article (2025)
  • The New Zealand Herald article (2023)

Note: The article's original date was not provided, but the most recent mention of a date is 2025.