Pharmac is consulting on a proposal to fund two targeted combination therapies as first‑line treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL): venetoclax with ibrutinib, and venetoclax with obinutuzumab, from 1 May 2026.

Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown say the move follows advice from clinicians and feedback from the blood cancer community that the combinations are most effective when used at the start of treatment. According to the Ministers, the therapies are intended to extend remission and reduce the need for traditional chemotherapy. Venetoclax and ibrutinib are taken as pills, which could cut down hospital visits. Obinutuzumab is given by infusion.

The proposal also signals a shift in how some publicly funded cancer care can be delivered. Obinutuzumab would become the second cancer medicine available in private clinics under Pharmac funding. In addition, people currently self‑funding these combinations could move to funded treatment in a private hospital, provided they met the public funding criteria at the time they began treatment. Patients have told Pharmac that switching to public hospitals after funding begins can be disruptive, and the agency is aiming to avoid that.

Ministers linked the proposal to a broader programme of cancer investment, citing seven recently funded blood cancer medicines through a $604 million package, expansion of stem cell transplant services, and work on faster cancer treatment targets.

Pharmac is seeking feedback from people with CLL, their families, clinicians, advocacy groups and others. Consultation opens at 1pm Wednesday 18 February and closes at 5pm Wednesday 4 March. Details and submission information are at: https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/2026-02-proposal-to-fund-two-medicine-combinations-for-chronic-lymphocytic-leukaemia-cll

After considering submissions, Pharmac will decide whether to proceed and whether any changes are needed. If approved, funding would start on 1 May 2026.