Pharmac is seeking clinical advice on funding weight loss drugs.
New Zealand ranks third-highest in adult obesity rates among OECD countries. According to data, one in three people aged 15+ are obese, and one in eight children aged 2-14.
Pharmac has received two applications to fund Wegovy (semaglutide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight loss.
The first application, submitted in September, sought funding for those with established cardiovascular disease (e.g., post-heart attack or stroke) and BMI ≥27. The second, in October, targeted chronic weight management in individuals with BMI ≥30 and at least one weight-related comorbidity.
“Our expert advisors will assess how effective the medicine is compared with current funded options and consider its impact on individuals, whānau, caregivers and the wider health system,” Pharmac director of advice and assessment David Hughes said.
Hughes noted that Pharmac also received an application to fund Saxenda (liraglutide) for individuals with very high BMI.
That application is currently under review.