Pharmac widens funded access to melanoma medicines

Skin Cancer NZ welcomes Pharmac’s decision to widen funded access to nivolumab and ipilimumab for people with resectable stage IIIB and IV melanoma, effective 1 May 2026.

This decision represents an important step forward in improving outcomes for people with resectable melanoma. 

Patients will now be able to access effective treatments sooner, helping to reduce the risk of the cancer returning and decreasing the amount of treatment some people may need. Expanded access is also expected to ease pressure on infusion services, supporting smoother care for all patients.

What the funding covers:

People with stage IIIB and IV melanoma that can be removed with surgery will be eligible for funded:

• Neoadjuvant immunotherapy – nivolumab and ipilimumab given before surgery to shrink the tumour and improve the response to surgery.
• Adjuvant immunotherapy – nivolumab given after surgery for patients who need additional treatment.

Following public consultation, Pharmac made two refinements:

• Transitional funding for patients receiving treatment in private facilities can now be extended beyond 12 months on a case-by-case basis.
• Nivolumab renewal criteria were updated to ensure patients who develop recurrent, unresectable melanoma can continue treatment.

We sincerely thank our oncology representatives for their expert advice and everyone who contributed feedback.