New anti-HIV drug will save lives, Aids foundation says

The decision by Pharmac to begin funding a new drug for HIV sufferers will mean the difference between life and death for some people, the New Zealand Aids Foundation (NZAF) says.

The Government's drug-buying agency Pharmac announced today it would start subsidising enfuvirtide (also known as fuzeon, or T20), from September 1.

The drug, which was approved in the United States in March 2003, is the first of a new class of anti-HIV drugs, which block the HIV virus outside the body's cells, rather than attempting to treat it once cells are already infected.

Enfuvirtide is used in combination with other drugs, and injected twice daily. Studies overseas have proven its effectiveness in controlling HIV.

NZAF positive health manager Eamonn Smythe said it would be of most benefit to HIV-positive people who were failing the current treatment programmes.

"A significant number of the 1700 people living with HIV in New Zealand today are receiving anti-retroviral medications, and will need access to new treatments as their virus develops resistance," said Mr Smythe.

"The ability to have alternative medications available is one that can mean the difference between life and death for some."

The foundation had also taken heart in the fact the approval process for enfuvirtide had taken half the time of the last anti-HIV drug, kaletra, which took almost three years to gain approval.

Mr Smythe said the news hopefully boded well for two other medications awaiting funding, reyataz and tenofovir, both of which have been available in Australia for two and four years respectively.

"Both these medications are needed by people living today here in New Zealand, and are widely used elsewhere in the world."

Pharmac's medical director Peter Moodie said enfuvirtide was used to treat people with the most advanced stages of HIV/Aids.

"Most people with HIV are managing the condition well on existing treatments, but the nature of the condition means there is always a small group of people who become resistant to those drugs," he said.

Dr Moodie estimated up to 18 people a year would be treated with enfuvirtide, which would cost about $800,000 over five years.

The Government spends $9 million yearly subsidising 12 HIV/Aids medications for about 700 people.

- NZPA