Change in Funded Brand of Fulvestrant Injection for New Zealand Breast Cancer Treatment

Strategic Insights -

Pharmac, New Zealand's pharmaceutical agency, has confirmed a change in the funded brand of fulvestrant injection, a medicine used to treat certain types of breast cancer. The funded brand will change to Fulvestrant EVER Pharma, also known as InterPharma, on 1 December 2025. Faslodex will be delisted on 1 May 2026, and Fulvestrant EVER Pharma will hold Principal Supply Status until 30 June 2028. This change follows consultation through the 2024/25 annual Pharmac Tender, where Pharmac engaged with medical professionals, patient advocacy groups, consumers, suppliers, and professional bodies to gather feedback on support required for brand changes to funded medicines.

Key Takeaways:

  • The funded brand of fulvestrant injection will change to Fulvestrant EVER Pharma (InterPharma) on 1 December 2025, replacing Faslodex.
  • Faslodex will be delisted on 1 May 2026, and Fulvestrant EVER Pharma will hold Principal Supply Status until 30 June 2028.
  • Pharmac engaged with medical professionals, patient advocacy groups, consumers, suppliers, and professional bodies through the annual 2024/25 Pharmac Tender to gather feedback on support required for brand changes to funded medicines.
  • Over 30 responses were received, with concerns about safety, tolerability, and treatment continuity being heard from patient advocacy groups, clinicians, and suppliers.
  • The feedback from patient advocacy groups, clinicians, and suppliers directly informed Pharmac's selection of the preferred supplier, Fulvestrant EVER Pharma.
  • Fulvestrant EVER Pharma does not require refrigeration, which may reduce injection site discomfort and improve ease of use.
  • The new brand meets internationally agreed standards for safety, quality, and efficacy, and is approved and widely used in Australia.
  • Educational materials and patient information leaflets will be available on the Pharmac and Healthify websites to support health professionals and patients through this change.

Statistics:

  • 1 December 2025: Date when the funded brand of fulvestrant injection will change to Fulvestrant EVER Pharma (InterPharma).
  • 1 May 2026: Date when Faslodex will be delisted.
  • 30 June 2028: Date when Fulvestrant EVER Pharma's Principal Supply Status will end.
  • Over 30: Number of responses received by Pharmac as part of the annual 2024/25 Pharmac Tender.

Sources:

  • [Pharmac website, no specific date provided]
  • [Interview with Adrienne Martin, Pharmac's Director Pharmaceuticals, no specific date provided]
  • [Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), "Fulvestrant", no specific date provided]