Post-menopausal women with early breast cancer will soon get subsidised access to an important treatment drug.

Pharmac, the government agency that chooses which drugs Kiwis should get subsidised access to, has expanded its funding of zoledronic acid from January 1, 2018.

Zoledronic acid helps prevent cancer from spreading into bones.

With breast cancer being the most common cancer among New Zealand women, Pharmac director of operations Sarah Fitt expects up to 3000 women to access zoledronic acid each year.

"We're pleased to be able to make this decision that can extend the lives of women with early breast cancer," she said.

Zoledronic acid is an infusion given twice a year for two years that is already funded to treat osteoporosis and bone metastases in cancer patients.

- NZ Newswire