Pharmac will fund ferric derisomaltose (Monofer) in hospitals for anyone who has had a serious reaction to other funded iron transfusions, following consultation with clinicians in January.

The decision comes as supplies of iron sucrose (Venofer) are expected to run out by March 2026. Venofer has been used for people who develop hypophosphataemia — a rare but serious drop in blood phosphate — after other iron infusions. Pharmac says funding Monofer will ensure those patients keep access to an alternative, and that widening the criteria means people who have not tolerated other iron infusions can be treated with Monofer. The agency expects this to reduce the number of infusions some patients need and cut their time in hospital.

Pharmac says consultation feedback supported funding Monofer and strongly pushed for broader criteria to include a small number of patients who experience other adverse reactions to iron transfusions. Around 100 people a year are expected to benefit.

Submissions also asked Pharmac to fund Monofer for people with Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), who may be at higher risk of hypophosphataemia with some iron products. Pharmac is assessing that application and says the consultation feedback will be considered as part of the process.