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Pharmac has confirmed changes to Special Authority renewal requirements for selected medicines and products.
From 1 December 2025, Pharmac will remove the need to renew Special Authority approvals for the following treatments:
More information about Pharmac's decision is available at:
We're grateful to everyone who shared their views during consultation. Your feedback helped shape this decision.
We want to make sure that everyone who needs to know about this decision is aware of it. Please share this information with people you think might be interested.
Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga | P: 0800 660 050 | www.pharmac.govt.nz
Kia ora koutou,
We are delighted to see that Associate Professor Martin de Bock and Professor Ben Wheeler, on behalf of a much wider collaborative Aotearoa wide diabetes research team, have been awarded the Health Research Council Beaven Medal. This is for health research leadership that has led to direct translational improvements in care for all people living with diabetes in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
Specific contributions noted included their roles in: clinical trial research and pathway to regulatory approval for numerous advanced diabetes technologies; significant role in national and international guidelines and policy; cross sectional partnerships across industry as well as directly with the diabetes community; and their important role, as a small part in a much larger community effort, in advocacy for improved models of care, equity, and diabetes technology access for all people living with diabetes. We will continue to see the impact of this in our clinical practice and the health and wellbeing of people who live with type 1 diabetes in years to come.
This is an outstanding award and particularly significant for the NZSSD community as Sir Donald Ward Beaven was a lead medical researcher in Diabetes Care and was a previous President of NZSSD.
Martin and Ben want to specifically acknowledge that this was awarded on behalf of all the work that everyone in the diabetes community has done to improve care to all New Zealanders living with diabetes.
I am sure you will join me in congratulating Martin and Ben and celebrating this achievement.
Ngā mihi nui,
Jo
Dr Jo McClintock (she/her)
Consultant Clinical Psychologist | Kaimatai Hauora Hinengaro
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
Welcome to Issue 195 of Diabetes and Obesity Research Review.
In this issue, we have quite a bit of GLP-1 receptor agonist research, including a trial of once-monthly subcutaneous injections of maridebart cafraglutide, a long-acting peptide-antibody conjugate combining GLP-1 receptor agonism with GIP receptor antagonism, in patients with obesity, as well as a phase 3 trial reporting significant reductions in HbA1c level with the small-molecule, nonpeptide GLP-1 receptor agonist orforglipron.
As usual we have attached the PDF, and you can also view the issue online.
Some of the other highlights include:
We hope you enjoy the papers selected for this issue and find them beneficial to you and your patients. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome, please continue to send them in.
Kind regards,
Professor Jeremy Krebs
jeremykrebs@researchreview.co.nz
Kia ora koutou
We are happy to provide further details about the 49th NZSSD Annual Scientific Meeting to be held in-person in Napier from Wednesday 6 - Friday 8 May 2026 at Napier Conference and Events Centre. This will include the Annual General Meeting for NZSSD. Also, a reminder that in 2026 we will be celebrating 50 years as a society.
Additionally there will be SIG study sessions on Tuesday 5 May hosted by Diabetic Foot, Dietitians and Technology groups. The registrar training day will also be held on Tuesday 5 May.
We are also very happy to announce that we have our first invited keynote speaker confirmed. Professor Ketan Dhatariya will be joining us from Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust in the United Kingdom. Some members of the society heard him present at the recent Australian meeting and were very keen to see if we could entice him to Aotearoa. His bio will be up on the conference website soon.
Expect to see more details over the coming months with the programme updated as we confirm more speakers and of course most importantly the theme for the ASM dinner!
As in previous years, registrations and calls for abstract submissions will open in early December via the Conference website. The Executive will also be taking nominations for the Bob Smith lecture then and so keep an eye out for that invitation as these will go directly to them for selection.
Nga mihi,
Sonya Fraser and Lisa Hoyle
ASM co-convenors
The HumaPen Savvio® (insulin delivery device) ordering process is changing. Starting October 1, 2025, hospitals will no longer need to order HumaPen Savvio® units through Eli Lilly Customer Service.
Instead, Lilly is introducing an allocation program. Hospitals will be able to receive free-of-charge HumaPen Savvio® units every three months for their patients.
Click the link to register for the program.
Please see the attached email for more information.
Click HERE for more information
Click HERE to view this position
Details of the 2026 Diabetes New Zealand Research Foundation Fellowship, eligibility criteria, scope, funding and guidelines for applicants are provided on their website. Click HERE
The research must be conducted in New Zealand, be specifically related to diabetes and aligned to the DNZRF's mission statements
If you have any questions about the fellowship, your eligibility to apply, funding or assessment process please email admin@dnzrf.org.nz.
Click HERE to view this vacancy.
If you would like to speak to someone about the role, please email Prof. Rinki Murphy
Welcome to Issue 194 of Diabetes and Obesity Research Review.
In this issue, we cross the ditch for a report on the management of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, with some findings that are relevant for us in Aotearoa.
we have attached the PDF, and you can also view the issue online.
Some of the other highlights include:
We hope you enjoy the papers selected for this issue and find them beneficial to you and your patients. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome, please continue to send them in.
Kind regards,
Professor Jeremy Krebs
jeremykrebs@researchreview.co.nz
Kia ora koutou,
Diabetes-specific nutrition formulations (DSNFs) are becoming an important part of diabetes care in Aotearoa New Zealand with the introduction of new medicines. They are available in Aotearoa New Zealand either Pharmac subsidised on prescription or self-funded to support people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes experiencing weight loss and malnutrition requiring nutritional support, or unable to maintain adequate nutritional intake in women with diabetes in pregnancy. We are also aware that new DSNF products are entering the market imminently.
These specialised products are designed to assist with glycaemic control and provide additional nutrition, particularly for individuals with complex health needs and a poor appetite, or those requiring enteral nutrition.
Ideally the use of these formulations should be guided by a qualified dietitian following a comprehensive nutrition assessment. Dietetic involvement ensures there is:
NZSSD dietitians as well as members from other disciplines plan to work on a Consensus Statement for the use of these products in our local Aotearoa context over the coming months. Please contact us if you have any questions or would be interested in contributing to this important piece of work.
Ngā mihi,
Dr Jo McClintock (she/her)
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
Click HERE for more information and to register
The information for this is available directly on the website here
Additional promotional materials can be downloaded from the IVW Website.
On behalf of the Psychology - Hinengaro Special Interest Group I am both pleased and proud to advise the Diabetes, Eating Behaviours, and Body Satisfaction Guidance is now live on the NZSSD website - CLICK HERE. Some of you would have heard the "whistle stop tour" at the recent ASM.
This guidance addresses an unmet need through the development of screening, assessment, and treatment recommendations for tāngata whaiora who live with diabetes and who face challenges with body satisfaction and eating behaviours, regardless of the type of diabetes they have. We have also provided strategies for kaimahi positionality and engagement.
This guidance was developed by working and consultation rōpū and the approach taken was embedded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles as well as ensuring the voice of lived experience was heard.
This guidance is written for kaimahi (health professionals) working with tāngata whaiora who live with any type of diabetes.
He kokonga whare e kitea, he kokonga ngākau e kore e kitea
A corner of a house may be seen and examined; not so the corners of the heart
We hope you find this useful and we welcome your thoughts and feedback.
Kia ora koutou,
Dr Jo McClintock (she/her)
Consultant Clinical Psychologist | Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
For those wishing to view they are titled "Proceedings of the New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes Annual Scientific Meeting 14-16 May 2025, Kirikiriroa, Hamilton" and are found on pages 77 to 90 of the The New Zealand Medical Journal.
Thank you for all the incredible mahi and contributions to improving the care and outcomes for those living with diabetes in Aotearoa and for your support of our ASM.
FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus has launched to great success - supporting thousands of New Zealanders living with diabetes improve their glycaemic control. Pharmac has announced that from the 1st November 2025, FreeStyle Libre 2 will be discontinued and replaced by FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus.
MediRay are in the process of transitioning away from FreeStyle Libre 2 and need your help to upgrade your patients now to experience the benefits our new FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor offers:
- Extended 15-day wear time
- Approved from age 2 years and up
- Our most accurate sensor#.1
- Funded by Pharmac for Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and some other specified forms of diabetes.
UPGRADE YOUR PATIENTS NOW: Transitioning your patients to FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus is NOT an automatic process.
Please complete a new prescription for your patients that are currently on a FreeStyle Libre 2, by writing on the new prescription 'FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus". The existing Special Authority does NOT need to be changed.
This will avoid the future rush when the current FreeStyle Libre 2 is withdrawn by Pharmac on the 1st November 2025.
If you require any further support, please feel free to contact Kevin Anderson on 021349991 or kevin@mediray.co.nz or visit FreeStyleConnect.co.nz.
Kevin Anderson
Division Manager - Diabetes Care
MEDIRAY
www.mediray.co.nz
ECR Connect is a dedicated online weekend workshop targeted at early career investigators to support career, research and professional development among peers. ECR Connect is a joint initiative led by Australian and New Zealand Bone Mineral Society Early Career Investigator Committee (ANZBMS ECIC) in collaboration with the Endocrine Society of Australia (ESA) and Australian Diabetes Society (ADS).
Please see full details on the attached flyer.
Kia ora koutou
We have received the following communication from the Pharmac Implementation team:
YpsoPump is now iOS compatible
From 10 June 2025, the mobile phone application for the mylife YpsoPump is compatible with iOS phones.
Factsheet about CamAPS on iOS | Pharmaco website [PDF](external link)
Medtronic (MiniMed 770G) insulin pumps:
People currently using Medtronic MiniMed 770G insulin pumps have until 1 October 2026 to move to a different funded pump.
The 4-year rule does not apply to people moving from Medtronic insulin pumps
The "Maximum of 1 insulin pump per patient each four-year period" rule does not apply for people changing from a funded Medtronic pump to the Tandem or YpsoPump. They can receive a funded pump, even if they got their Medtronic pump less than 4 years ago.
More about insulin pumps, consumables and CGMs | Pharmac website
Please ensure that the brand of funded insulin pumps is chosen carefully.
It is vital that all considerations are made in relation to personal circumstances. Especially important is the difference in algorithms between the two brands which may not be compatible with an individual's needs. The requirement that the Ypso pump requires a smart phone to operate the closed-loop system is also an important factor to consider, as some people may have difficulty operating a phone.
Dulaglutide: New patients from 1 July 2025
From 1 July 2025, we lifted the "no new patient" restriction from dulaglutide (Trulicity). This follows our earlier decision to re-open access to liraglutide (Victoza) from 1 March 2025.
Eligible people with type 2 diabetes will be able to start using funded dulaglutide or liraglutide. The restriction had been placed on these medicines to help manage the global shortage, which had been caused by rapid increase in demand worldwide.
Questions:
If you have any queries, please contact: enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
Please also visit the NZSSD website to view the NZSSD Type 2 Guidance for information on prescribing and monitoring recommendations.
Ngā mihi
Jo McClintock
President
NZSSD
Kia ora koutou
I am very pleased to share this news about access to GLP1a dulaglutide.
From 1 July 2025, Pharmac is removing the 'no new patient restriction' on the GLP1a dulaglutide (branded as Trulicity). This means people with type 2 diabetes, who meet the eligibility criteria, will be able to start on treatment with this medicine.
More information about the ongoing supply issue is available on the Pharmac website: Dulaglutide(Trulicity) and Liraglutide (Victoza): Supply issue
Please also visit the NZSSD Type 2 diabetes guidance for information on when/in which patients it is appropriate to prescribe a GLP1Ra, and prescribing and monitoring recommendations.
This is great news for people living with type 2 diabetes and the health professionals caring for them.
Ngā mihi nui
Jo
Dr Jo McClintock(she/her)
Consultant Clinical Psychologist |Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro
President - New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
Kia ora koutou
A bit of a mixed bag update but an essential one. Thanks to all who have reached out about the CVD calculator. We have updated the website to prioritise the more accurate and contemporary VAREANZ risk predictor calculator which includes an equation for people with type 2 diabetes. https://nzssd.org.nz/resources/section/calculators
We have been made aware of a number of deep fakes promoting fake "diabetes medications" that are using NZSSD members names, faces, and voices. This is a serious concern that requires wide spread awareness. Attached is our media release and we would appreciate if you can circulate this on your own or your workplaces social media channels. We also strongly recommend that anyone impacted by these deep fakes contact the NZ Police.
Thirdly, we wanted to comment on the extended prescription period from three to twelve months. This will have a positive impact for many people living with diabetes for a range of reasons. It remains important however that clinical decision making is the basis for selecting an appropriate prescribing period and the rationale is communicated clearly to tāngata whaiora to manage any concerns or expectations they may have.
Both the NZSSD executive and I are happy to take any further questions or feedback on these issues.
Ngā mihi,
Jo
Dr Jo McClintock (she/her)
Consultant Clinical Psychologist | Kaimātai Hauora Hinengaro
President - New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
president@nzssd.org.nz
Warning: Fake Videos Targeting People with Type 2 Diabetes
The New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes (NZSSD) is warning people with type 2 diabetes to be cautious about health advice on social media, especially videos that appear to be from New Zealand doctors.
Please download the PDF for more information.
Click HERE for the latest issue
Welcome to Issue 189 of Diabetes and Obesity Research Review.
With the flu season upon us, this issue includes research reminding us of the importance of ensuring our patients with diabetes get vaccinated!
As usual we have attached the PDF, and you can also view the issue online.
Some of the other highlights include:
We hope you enjoy the papers selected for this issue and find them beneficial to you and your patients. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome, please continue to send them in.
Kind regards,
Professor Jeremy Krebs
The Diabetes and Related Conditions Prescribing Meeting is an opportunity to receive updates on contemporary clinical management and prescribing in diabetes care, and to connect and network with your peers involved or with an interest in diabetes care. The meeting is open to registered nurses and pharmacists with prescribing current authority and nurse practitioners.
The meeting will be held at the Novotel Hotel, Auckland Airport on Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th August, 2025.
Here is the link to the meeting information and registration site:
https://www.eventleaf.com/e/DiabetesPrescribingMeeting2025
Kia ora koutou
You may have seen the announcement from Pharmac this week about funding changes that will come into affect on 1 May 2025. .
Freestyle Libre 2 Plus CGM:
From 1 May 2025, Pharmac will be listing the FreeStyle Libre
2 Plus CGM as a standalone continuous glucose monitor (CGM) alongside the
currently listed FreeStyle Libre 2.
The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus is more accurate than the previous model, it can
also be used for longer. The size, phone app, reader, adhesive, and application
method are the same as the FreeStyle Libre 2. Everyone who is currently
eligible for a funded FreeStyle Libre 2 will be able to switch to the FreeStyle
Libre 2 Plus.
The FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus can be worn for 15 days - a day longer than the
previous model. Because people can wear it for longer, Pharmac is changing how
many people can get on a prescription from 29 per year to 28 per year. This
aligns the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus with other CGM's that we fund.
It will be available from 1 May 2025, and the currently funded FreeStyle Libre
2 will be delisted from November 2025.
Please pass this news onto your networks as I appreciate there will be a great
deal of interest in this change.
More information is on Pharmac's website
here.
Insulin Degludec with insulin aspart (Ryzodeg)
Pharmac is funding a new type of insulin (branded as Ryzodeg) for people with diabetes from 1 May 2025.
This is a mix insulin with a longer basal insulin combined with insulin aspart. As you know other mix insulins provided by Novo Nordisk have been phased out (PenMix and Mixtard) or will be in the near future (NovoMix) https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/medicine-funding-and-supply/medicine-notices/insulin
Ryzodeg will be an alternative option that may be beneficial for many people with T2DM.
Read the full details here:
The NZSSD Guidance group will be meeting in early May and will ensure all of our guidance documents are updated, with additional information about Ryzodeg.
Ngā mihi
Rosemary
Dr Rosemary Hall
Endocrinologist, Te Whatu Ora; Wellington and Tairāwhiti
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
president@nzssd.org.nz
Secretariat: Secretary@nzssd.org.nz
NZSSD website: www.nzssd.org.nz
Kia ora koutou
You may have seen the notice from Pharmac yesterday allowing new special authority applications for liraglutide (Victoza) from 1 March 2025. We are very pleased that the special authority criteria will be the same as when SA's were suspended in May 2024. This will again allow us to prescribe according to our national guidelines and best practice, and we all know how beneficial this will be for people living with diabetes. We are assured by Pharmac that the intention is for no further suspensions of special authority criteria for GLP-1 agonists to allow ongoing access for those who meet criteria. It is of course important, as previously, that these medications are prescribed only for people with T2DM so that availability continues.
The link to detailed information from Pharmac is:
Decision to enable new people to start treatment withliraglutide for type 2 diabetes
Unfortunately, we don't have such good news regarding the global shortage of Glucagon and the limited allocation to Aotearoa NZ.
Glucagon hydrochloride (Glucagen Hypokit): Supply issue
We will continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available.
Ngā mihi
Rosemary
Dr Rosemary Hall
Endocrinologist, Te Whatu Ora; Wellington and Tairāwhiti
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
We know that this decision will also bring some anxiety for
our already stretched health system and workforce. NZSSD will provide as much
clinical and practical support as we can to enable the process to be as
streamlined and equitable as possible. We will keep you informed of education
opportunities and guidelines and welcome widespread discussion and resource
sharing.
I have attached our media release.
Pharmac's information page has details of the revised special authority criteria and processes around transitioning people from Medtronic systems.
|
Ngā mihi
Rosemary
Dr Rosemary HallEndocrinologist
President New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes
president@nzssd.org.nz
secretary@nzssd.org.nz
NZSSD website: www.nzssd.org
Please see the attached notice.
We suggest transferring people over to a new insulin well in advance of 30 September, to avoid any supply issues