Pharmac to fund radical new cholesterol drug

5.00pm

The first new cholesterol-lowering drug to be introduced to New Zealand in 15 years has been described as an "astonishing" breakthrough.

Ezetrol, the first in a new class of cholesterol-lowering medicines, will be subsidised by the Government health funding agency Pharmac from July 1.

Professor of cardiology at the Green Lane Clinical Centre, Professor Harvey White, said today the effects of the new drug, otherwise known as ezetimibe, were likely to have a huge impact on stroke and heart attack rates in New Zealand.

"The effects of Ezetrol are astonishing. It is exciting to be able to prescribe this drug and to be able to lower cholesterol levels to international goals," he said in a statement.

Under the agreement, Pharmac will fully fund Ezetrol in a new class of cholesterol-lowering medicines under a special authority which specifies which patients will be eligible for the medicine.

The agreement also provides for the funding, subject to registration, of a new combination cholesterol-lowering medicine Vytorin, which combines the actions of Ezetrol, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, and the long-established statin therapy.

Professor in human nutrition and medicine at the University of Otago, Professor Jim Mann said the funding of Ezetrol in New Zealand was "wonderful news".

"Life expectancy has significantly improved since the introduction of statins. However, for patients who are not adequately controlled on statins or who can't tolerate a full dose, this is a welcome addition to the range of treatments available."

Ezetrol has been available for a short time in New Zealand and is already being prescribed for patients who are paying for it themselves.

However, a leading Auckland cardiologist said he was disappointed with Pharmac's decision to only selectively fund the drug.

Cardiologist and senior lecturer in cardiology at the University of Auckland School of Medicine, Dr Chris Ellis, said ezetimibe would be helpful for many patients, and add benefit to patients already on statin drugs.

"I remain disappointed that Pharmac will not fully fund ezetimibe for use with all statins in New Zealand. Ongoing clinical trials should further demonstrate the effectiveness of ezetimibe."

- NZPA