Government to subsidise hepatitis drug

A Government subsidy for a hepatitis B drug will mean an extra 200 people suffering from the disease will be eligible for treatment.

The state's drug-buying agency, Pharmac, says that from June 1, people with the liver infection who are undergoing chemotherapy will be able to have the drug lamivudine fully subsidised.

Pharmac medical director Peter Moodie said the funding decision recognised a need identified by clinicians.

"This decision meets a clinical need," Dr Moodie said.

"Our advice is that there is about a 20 to 50 per cent chance that chemotherapy will reactivate the hepatitis B virus in people who carry it.

"This decision will help avoid that occurring and the subsequent liver damage that can result."

Dr Moodie said extending funding of lamivudine to people in that group would see about 200 additional people treated each year, at a total cost over five years of about $800,000.

- NZPA