A new and expensive drug is being funded from Monday for those with a relatively rare form of cancer.
State drug-buying agency Pharmac says it will fund the drug dasatinib, for those with chronic myeloid leukaemia. The drug has the trade name of Sprycel.
Pharmac says development of the drug Glivec revolutionised treatment of this leukaemia, but some people can't take Glivec or their disease becomes resistant to it over time.
It says the new drug's seen as an alternative, but may also be used instead of Glivec.
Forty new cases of myeloid leukaemia are diagnosed each year and 220 people are taking Glivec.
Pharmac won't disclose the cost of funding Sprycell, but says it's been reduced by rebate payments.
