I am a patient who relies on Lorlatinib, which is an inhibitor for ALK lung cancer. This medication was available on compassionate grounds in NZ until December 2022. Now, without financial assistance, I find myself struggling to afford the very treatment that keeps me alive.

Currently Lorlatinib is the only generation 3 inhibitor and covers the most mutations. Usually ALK lung cancer patients move to Lorlatinib after progression on Alectinib, which is a generation 2 inhibitor. 

The cost of this life-saving drug is prohibitive for many New Zealanders like me. Just last week, a dear friend of mine passed away at the young age of 28 from the same type of cancer. If Lorlatinib had been available through the public health system, perhaps her story would have ended differently.

Lorlatinib is not only a little cheaper than Alectinib, which is currently preferred by Pharmac, but has also been adopted as the first-line TKI in other countries such as Australia due to its effectiveness.

It's crucial that we urge Pharmac to reconsider their decision and at a minimum reinstate the compassionate grounds for Lorlatinib. By doing so, they will be providing much-needed financial relief to patients battling ALK lung cancer and potentially saving lives in our community.

Please sign this petition and join us in urging Pharmac to fund Lorlatinib - because no one should have to choose between their health and financial stability.