Cholesterol-fighting medicine welcomed

3.00 pm

The decision by Pharmac to widen fully funded access to cholesterol-lowering statin medication has been welcomed by Health Minister Annette King, leading physicians and pharmaceutical company Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD).

From 1 April, Pharmac is lifting Special Authority restrictions on statins, and widening access to these drugs. Statins are already available fully funded, but are targeted through the use of Special Authority to those patients who are at high risk of heart disease.

The number of eligible people will increase by more than 100,000, to around 300,000.

Statins lower cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. High cholesterol is a known risk factor in cardiovascular diseases, such as a heart attack. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, lack of exercise, high fat diets and obesity.

"Helping so many more people lower their cholesterol levels through the use of statins is consistent with the aims of the New Zealand Health Strategy, which lists reducing cardiovascular disease as a priority area," said Health Minister Annette King.

She was speaking during National Heart Foundation "BBQ Day", which promotes barbecues as a source of healthy eating.

"This decision will lead to a significant improvement in the cardiac health of many New Zealanders," Alister Brown, MSD managing director, said today.

"There is compelling evidence of the important contribution statins can make in cardiovascular disease. The value of statins is also being underlined by impressive new studies. The independent Heart Protection Study - which used the MSD statin simvastatin - was unveiled in the UK late last year to widespread international acclaim."

Today's announcement was also welcomed by physicians.

"This is terrific news for New Zealand patients", said Auckland cardiologist Professor Harvey White. "Now we can treat groups such as diabetics and the elderly appropriately. GPs should be active in ensuring that this happens."

And Professor Jim Mann, based in Dunedin, was also enthusiastic.

"This is a tremendous advance for preventative cardiology in the context of both primary and secondary prevention in New Zealand."

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