Keytruda
Melanoma sufferer wary of changing to Pharmac funded drug
A melanoma patient, Joy Cole, says she has some big questions she wants answered before she can consider swapping from Keytruda treating to a Pharmac-funded alternative. Audio
Official documents reveal strong lobbying for Keytruda
Merck, the maker of the melanoma drug Keytruda is accusing Pharmac of ignoring the latest data on the drug's effectiveness. Audio
Pharmac accused of downplaying Keytruda
Melanoma drug Keytruda's maker is accusing New Zealand drug-buying agency Pharmac of under-playing evidence about the drug's effectiveness. Audio
Keytruda expensive but efficient, says oncologist
Dunedin-based oncologist Dr Chris Jackson, speaking to Checkpoint, says Keytruda is extraordinarily efficient - but also very expensive. Audio
Pharmac's Keytruda data 'false and misleading'
After months of criticism for its hospital food, multi-national catering company Compass is raising eyebrows with its tax bill. Anusha Bradley reports. Audio
Melanoma drug offers bargaining chip
Patients tell Checkpoint's John Campbell Medsafe's approval of Opdivo could mean a chance of funding for a melanoma drug. Video
Funded drug shows change for Pharmac
Pharmac's decision to fund a new drug is an important breakthrough for rare disease treatment, an advocacy group says.
Melanoma drug 'extortionate' - ex-pharma chief
The price being charged for the drug Keytruda is extortionate and unacceptable, a former drug company executive says.
Keytruda pricetag extortionate says pharmaceutical leader
A former New Zealand head of a major drug company says the price being charged for the hotly debated drug Keytruda is extortionate. Audio
Warning over cost of new cancer drugs
Means-tested national superannuation could help fund potentially life-saving new drugs such as Keytruda, a leading cancer researcher says. Audio
Pharmac stands its ground on melanoma drug
The drug-buying agency Pharmac is under the spotlight over the lack of public funding for an effective treatment for advanced melanoma.
Melanoma patients deliver petition to parliament
Patients with advanced melanoma told the government today they need the drug Keytruda and they need it soon. Video, Audio
Greens: Politics should keep out of Pharmac
The Green Party's health spokesman Kevin Hague yesterday said the campaign to get Keytruda provided by Pharmac could set up the victims of diseases to become lobbying pawns for the pharmaceutical… Audio
Cancer Society on the 11,000 signature Keytruda petition
Medical Director of the Cancer Society Chris Jackson joins Checkpoint with John Campbell to discuss the 11,000 signature Keytruda petition. Audio
Chemotherapy 'palliative,' says stage 4 melanoma patient
Joy Cole, a stage 4 melanoma patient, was present at the handing-over of the petition. She has been given less than a year to live. Video, Audio
Melanoma patients demand urgent decision on drug funding
Patients with advanced melanoma presented a petition to Health Minister Jonathan Coleman today, calling for Pharmac to fund the drug Keytruda. Health Correspondent Karen Brown reports. Audio
Keytruda researcher met with Health Minister months ago
Dr Antoni Ribas, a Keytruda researcher, was in New Zealand three months ago and met with Jonathan Coleman, he tells Checkpoint. Pharmac will need more money in its budget in order to fund a melanoma… Audio
Keytruda petition presented to Parliament
A petition with over 11,000 signatures was presented to Parliament today, calling for the funding of Keytruda for advanced melanoma. Petition organiser Leisa Renwick told Checkpoint about the drug… Video, Audio
Pharmac Petition - Karen Brown
A petition calling on the Government to fund the melanoma treatment, Keytruda, has been presented to Parliament today. Australia, Canada and Britain subsidise the treatment, but Pharmac has given it… Audio
Melanoma survivor calls for Pharmac to fund Keytruda
A terminally ill cancer patient who paid for her own melanoma treatment and survived is taking a petition to Parliament calling for drug Keytruda to be funded. Audio
