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Melanoma advocates welcome Pharmac's proposal to fund new drugs

Author
Newstalk ZB ,
Publish Date
Wed, 25 Feb 2026, 6:08am
Photo / Getty Images
Photo / Getty Images

Melanoma advocates welcome Pharmac's proposal to fund new drugs

Author
Newstalk ZB ,
Publish Date
Wed, 25 Feb 2026, 6:08am

Melanoma advocates hope a new Pharmac proposal will take the pressure off patients. 

Consultation's open on whether to expand access to two immunotherapy medicines for people with stage 3b and 4 melanoma from May.

Used pre-surgery, nivolumab and ipilimumab can lower the chance of cancers returning. 

Medical Oncologist and Melanoma Specialist Dr Gareth Rivalland tells Ryan about the difference it will make. 

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