Pharmac is funding two new cancer treatments which could possibly improve health outcomes for hundreds of people

From July, ribociclib will be available for people with advanced breast cancer, and midostaurin for those with blood cancer.

Around 400 people will be eligible for the medicines, in the first year of funding.

Pharmac is also removing the renewal requirement for sacubitril-valsartan , a heart failure medication, making it easier for around 15,000 kiwis to remain on treatment.

Leukaemia and Blood Cancer Foundation Chief Executive, Tim Edmonds says these decisions move New Zealand a step closer to an international standard of care.