Full Breakdown
New Zealand Paediatricians Decry Delays in Approving RSV Antibody nirsevimab
7/6/2026, 9:02:25 PM
Unapproved RSV Antibody and Ongoing Hospitalisations
New Zealand has not yet approved or funded the single-dose monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (Beyfortus) for infant RSV prevention. Australia approved the drug over two years ago; Medsafe completed an initial assessment and requested further data, while Pharmac’s advisory committee has recommended high-priority funding without a final decision.
Background: RSV Burden in New Zealand
RSV accounts for about 40 % of all hospitalisations among children under five, making New Zealand the region’s “RSV capital”. In the year to June 2023, Health NZ recorded 1,558 child RSV admissions nationwide; Kidz First in South Auckland saw 1,548 respiratory admissions, many for RSV.
Key Figures and Stakeholders
Key voices include consultant paediatricians Adrian Trenholme and Dame Teuila Percival (Kidz First), Letitia Harding of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ, Dr David Hughes of Pharmac, and the regulators Medsafe and Pharmac.
Data and Statistics
RSV causes roughly 40 % of under-5 admissions; nirsevimab has shown an 80 % reduction in RSV hospitalisations in trials. Kidz First also reported 424 skin-infection, 90 rheumatic-fever and 14 whooping-cough admissions that year.
Official Statements and Responses
Medsafe said its initial assessment is complete but further data are required before approval. Pharmac’s advisory committee recommended high-priority funding, but Dr Hughes said the agency must balance benefit, cost and other priorities. The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation cited the 80 % efficacy as a clear rationale.
Criticism and Opposition
Pediatricians call the review “obsessed” with reassessing a drug already supported by international data, arguing that delays force families into preventable winter hospitalisations and reflect broader under-investment in child health, housing and social services.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Medsafe’s timeline for final approval is unspecified, and Pharmac’s funding recommendation has not yet become a commitment, leaving a gap between advisory endorsement and implementation, with no estimate for infants who could benefit.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve watched every winter, I’ve been in these [hospital] rooms, I’ve seen kiddies struggling to breathe, mums crying, upset, distraught, shouting at me, having to send them [children] to intensive care with no treatment for RSV.” — Adrian Trenholme, Consultant Paediatrician
- “I don’t know why it’s taking so long.” — Letitia Harding, Chief Executive, Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ
- “In 40 years, I’ve been waiting to prevent RSV and that stuff [the antibody] is available worldwide.” — Adrian Trenholme, Consultant Paediatrician
- “The way to be a successful country is to invest in your children. We can stop investing too much in older people.” — Dame Teuila Percival, Paediatrician
What’s Next
Medsafe will issue a final decision after reviewing the data, and Pharmac must confirm funding. Both outcomes are anticipated before the winter season.