BCAC is delighted to hear that Pharmac proposes to fund Phesgo®, a rapidly injectable formulation of two anti HER2 medicines, pertuzumab and trastuzumab, from 1 December 2025. Currently these medicines are administered sequentially by intravenous infusion, but Phesgo contains an enzyme that allows it to be given as a single injection under the skin. This means a much shorter treatment time at hospital outpatient clinics for patients.
When comparing the experience of receiving these medicines as Phesgo or two infusions, 85% of patients preferred Phesgo because of less time in the clinic, a less distressing process, more comfort and less pain during administration. Faster delivery will also free up time and resources at those busy clinics, reducing waiting times for others needing intravenous treatments. While only available in hospitals at first, Pharmac anticipates that over time Phesgo could be rolled out to community-based infusion centres.
‘This is awesome news for those with advanced HER2 positive breast cancer’ says BCAC Chair Libby Burgess. ‘A quick injection of one medicine over about 5 minutes into the thigh instead of slow infusion of two will save time and be less disruptive to the daily lives of those receiving treatment. We look forward to seeing delivery of Phesgo in clinics closer to home in the near future as it will make treatment more accessible, especially for those living at a distance from cancer treatment centres. This is standard practice in the UK and is approved across Europe and the USA.’
Pertuzumab (brand name Perjeta) and trastuzumab (brand names Herceptin or Herzuma) are important medicines for treating HER2 positive breast cancer. Both are given as a ‘first line’ treatment for those with metastatic disease, and this is the group that will be eligible to receive Phesgo.
Pertuzumab and trastuzumab can also be used before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after surgery (adjuvant) to treat early HER2 positive breast cancer where the cancer has also been found in lymph nodes (‘node positive’). Pharmac has reviewed applications for funding Phesgo for both these uses in early breast cancer. They have recommended neoadjuvant use for funding but need more in their budget to progress this. They are waiting for more evidence for post-surgery use.
‘There’s strong evidence for the use of Phesgo to treat early HER2 positive breast cancer, particularly before surgery’ says Libby ‘and we will be asking Pharmac for urgency in this setting’.
You can read Pharmac’s announcement here.
You can read about patient preference for Phesgo here.
Update Dec 1st 2025
We’re very pleased to see Phesgo funded for those with advanced HER2 positive breast cancer, but disappointed that Pharmac chose not to respond to BCAC’s request to extend access to those who are less mobile, with ECOG scores of 2 or 3. These patients need treatment as much as those who are fully active and would benefit even more from being able to have fast treatment that will soon be approved for delivery in community clinics and even in the home.
We remain hopeful that Phesgo will also be funded for early breast cancer.
