From 1 March 2026 Pharmac will fund ferric derisomaltose (Monofer) in hospitals for people who have experienced serious reactions after other iron infusions.
Pharmac consulted on a proposal to fund this medicine in January, following the discontinuation of iron as sucrose (Venofer) which is used by people who have experienced hypophosphataemia after other iron infusions.
Hypophosphataemia is a rare but serious side effect of some iron infusions. It means having low levels of phosphate in the blood, a mineral that is important for healthy bones, muscles, and energy.
“The consultation feedback Pharmac received was supportive, but strongly suggested widening the funding criteria further,” says Senior Therapeutic Group Manager/Team Leader, Josh Wiles.
“Clinicians told us that a small number of patients who experience adverse reactions to other funded iron transfusions would also benefit from this treatment.”
After considering this response Pharmac has decided to fund ferric derisomaltose (Monofer) in hospitals for all people who have experienced a serious reaction after other funded iron transfusions.
“Supplies of Venofer are expected to run out by March 2026. Funding ferric derisomaltose means people with hypophosphataemia will continue to have access to a safe iron infusion option,” says Wiles.
“Expanding the criteria means anyone who hasn’t been able to tolerate an iron infusion before can now get this treatment. This should reduce the number of infusions they need and cut down their time in hospital.”
Approximately 100 people are expected to benefit from this treatment each year.
Submissions on the proposal also called for Monofer to be funded for people with Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) who have an increased risk of experiencing hypophosphataemia after receiving some iron transfusions.
Pharmac is currently assessing an application to fund Monofer for people with HHT. Assessment of this application will include consideration of the feedback received in recent consultation.
This decision follows the discontinuation of another iron treatment, iron as sucrose (Venofer).
The supplier is stopping production, and supplies are expected to run out by March 2026. Venofer will be removed from the Pharmaceutical Schedule on 1 September 2026.
Funding Monofer will ensure people continue to have access to a safe and effective iron infusion when others are not appropriate.
Hypophosphataemia is a medical condition where the level of phosphate in the blood is lower than normal. Phosphate is an essential mineral that plays a key role in maintaining healthy bones and teeth, supporting muscle function, and producing energy in the body.
When phosphate levels drop too low, it can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, bone pain, fatigue, and in severe cases, complications affecting the heart and breathing.
Hypophosphataemia can occur as a known side effect of some iron infusions, which is why Pharmac is proposing to fund ferric derisomaltose (Monofer), as it is less likely to cause this condition compared to other iron treatments.
The feedback we have received was supportive. Clinicians told us a small number of people who experience serious reactions to other funded iron transfusions would also benefit from this treatment.
In response to this feedback, we have decided to fund ferric derisomaltose for people who have experienced any type of serious reaction after other funded iron infusions.
Consultation feedback also called for ferric derisomaltose (Monofer) to be funded for people with Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT).
People with HTT have an increased risk of experiencing hypophosphataemia after receiving some iron transfusions. An application to fund ferric derisomaltose in hospitals and the community for people with HHT with an iron deficiency was submitted to Pharmac in October 2024. The feedback we have received from this consultation will be considered as part of our funding process for this application.
