Pharmac committee recommends faricimab (Vabysmo) for retinal vein occlusion
In July 2026, Dr Aisling Naylor and I submitted an application to Pharmac to fund faricimab (Vabysmo) as a second-line treatment for macular oedema from retinal vein occlusion, for patients who respond poorly to bevacizumab (Avastin). Faricimab is already funded for this purpose in macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema, but not in retinal vein occlusion. The submission is supported by Macular Degeneration New Zealand, the New Zealand Save Sight Society, Ophthalmology New Zealand and the National Eye Health Network.
Pharmac assessment
Pharmac's Pharmacology and Therapeutics Advisory Committee (PTAC) considered the application in August 2026 and recommended faricimab be funded "for people living with macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion, as a second-line anti-VEGF treatment, subject to Special Authority criteria", with a high priority. Unfortunately, a recommendation for funding is not yet the final approval. I am hopeful that this will eventually lead to funding of faricimab for our retinal vein occlusion patients, who have no other funded option for the treatment of their disease apart from bevacizumab.
About Dr Leo Sheck
Book your appointment now to see Dr Sheck
Dr Sheck is a RANZCO-qualified, internationally trained ophthalmologist and runs a popular and respected practice in Auckland. He combined his initial training in New Zealand with a two-year advanced fellowship in Moorfield Eye Hospital, London. He also holds a Doctorate in Ocular Genetics from the University of Auckland and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Cambridge. He specialises in medical retina diseases (injection therapy), cataract surgery, ocular genetics, uveitis and electrodiagnostics.
