Pharmac funds cancer drug for some — but this father faces $17,000 a month
October 25, 2026
Summarised by Centrist
A Christchurch father battling stage 4 bowel cancer faces a $17,000 monthly bill for a drug already funded by Pharmac for some breast cancer patients.
Mike Hrynkewycz, 46, has cancer that has spread to his brain and lungs. His family has spent nearly $100,000 on treatment since his diagnosis in September 2025.
The drug, Enhertu, targets cancers carrying the HER2 protein. Medsafe approved its use for Mike's cancer type in September, but Pharmac has not extended public funding to bowel cancer patients.
Each infusion costs more than $12,000, with treatment required every three weeks.
Medsafe's approval unlocked $10,000 in annual support from Southern Cross, leaving the family to cover most of the cost themselves.
A previous application for a different treatment was rejected after Pharmac concluded Mike's circumstances were not sufficiently exceptional. Clinical advice suggested 60 to 80 New Zealand patients could have similar needs.
Pharmac says it had not received a formal funding application for Enhertu to treat HER2-positive bowel cancer as of 19 October, but would welcome one.
Mike's wife Harriet works part-time while caring for him and their two children. The family estimates it can afford another six rounds of treatment.
The case highlights the distinction between Medsafe approving a medicine for use and Pharmac agreeing to fund it.
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