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Our latest and archived media releases and news articles.

New joint pharmaceuticals research fund recipients

Media Release

2 March 2017

Researchers from Auckland and Otago Universities are the first recipients of new grants from PHARMAC and the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC).

Professor Keith Petrie at the University of Auckland, and Dr Lianne Parkin of the University of Otago, will receive grants worth more than $210,000 each for their research.

Generic medicines are equivalent to brand name medicines, providing the same quality and performance but usually at a lower cost. Professor Petrie’s study will look at how people’s views on generic medicines can affect their acceptance of these medicines.

Metformin is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, however overseas research shows that many patients don’t use it as prescribed. Dr Parkin will explore how to improve the way New Zealanders with type 2 diabetes use metformin.

PHARMAC Chief Executive Steffan Crausaz and HRC Chief Executive Professor Kath McPherson announced the first recipients of the joint fund today.

Steffan Crausaz says the two studies will provide valuable insights into how New Zealanders can get the best out of medicines.

“Our objective in setting up the fund with the HRC was to improve our knowledge of medicines use in New Zealand, so that we can take steps to improve people’s use of medicines,” he says.

“Generic medicines are widely used in New Zealand, and research will look at what else can be done to help people adapt to changes in their medicine.

“Metformin is an important medicine for people with type 2 diabetes, so Dr Parkin’s research will give us a better idea as to why people might not continue taking the medicine they need to keep them well.”

Dr McPherson says the collaboration with PHARMAC is providing a further opportunity to grow innovative research into pharmaceuticals in New Zealand.

“We’re delighted to be involved in this research initiative with PHARMAC. This is a great example of government health organisations collaborating to benefit patients and strengthen the use of research evidence to improve our health system overall.

“I’m confident that the studies funded through this partnership initiative will be of a high quality and add to our knowledge of how New Zealanders use medicines.”

Details of grant recipients and studies
Professor Keith Petrie, University of Auckland
Improving acceptance of generic medicines
$213,750, 12 months

Lay summary:
The focus of this proposal is on how to improve the acceptance of generic medicines. While positive perceptions of generic medicines are critical for acceptance, very little research has been done on how to effectively change attitudes towards generic medicines or to look at how the presentation of generic medicines can be improved. We propose two studies to look at the issue of improving acceptability and response to generic medicine. The first study evaluates whether highlighting the mechanism of action in branded and generic medicines medications being identical is an effective way of improving perceptions and response to generics. The second study examines whether generic medication can be branded more effectively and investigates whether improving generic packaging can improve the effectiveness and reduce the side effects of generic medication. The results of the proposed research may provide practical strategies that can be used to improve acceptance of generic medicines.

Dr Lianne Parkin, University of Otago
Improving metformin adherence and persistence in people with type 2 diabetes
$213, 229, 24 months

Lay summary:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) imposes a substantial burden on New Zealanders, particularly Māori and Pacific peoples. Metformin is the first-line medication for the treatment of T2DM, but overseas research has found that many patients have suboptimal metformin adherence and persistence. Persistence refers to whether a person stays on a therapy, while adherence refers to whether a person takes a medication according to the prescribed schedule. Suboptimal metformin adherence and persistence are important because they are associated with a higher risk of diabetes complications.

We will use routinely collected health data to (a) describe the patterns of metformin adherence and persistence in New Zealanders with T2DM, and (b) investigate the predictors and consequences of suboptimal adherence and persistence. We will also interview people with T2DM to get their views on what helps, and hinders, good metformin adherence and persistence. The findings will contribute to improved outcomes for people prescribed metformin.
Public input on NZ's first health research strategy

News Article

22 February 2017

The Ministries of Health and Business, Innovation and Employment have today published the summary of submissions and consultation document for the New Zealand Health Research Strategy 2017-2027 after close collaboration with the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

In May 2016, the Government published the New Zealand Health Research Strategy: Public discussion document. This document formed the basis for discussing the directions and priorities for New Zealand's first health research strategy.

The summary of submissions and consultation document presents the analysis of the submissions received on the public discussion document and the key themes that emerged from public consultations and focus groups.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the submissions and consultation process.
Australia - NZ science and innovation agreement

News Article

20 February 2017

Australia and New Zealand have signed a ground-breaking bilateral international science agreement in Queenstown.

The Australia – New Zealand Science, Research and Innovation Cooperation Agreement is a commitment to valuable collaboration across the innovation and science systems, and between researchers and innovative companies, on both sides of the Tasman.

Key initial proposals include mapping collaborative research opportunities, research infrastructure planning and investment, standards and measurement research, and the exchange of experts, knowledge and expertise.

The agreement also provides for a wide array of future initiatives such as common science priorities, working together in other international endeavours, and the promotion of a trans-Tasman innovation ecosystem for talent and investment attraction.

More information on the agreement and associated new initiatives can be found on the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment website.
Major push to tackle diabetes with $5.7m research funding

News Article

9 February 2017

The government’s announcement today of more than $5.7 million in funding for research into diabetes has the potential to radically transform delivery of health care to hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders with diabetes or prediabetes, says Health Research Council of New Zealand Chief Executive, Professor Kath McPherson.

Three projects, all relating to the prevention and management of diabetes, have been awarded funding through a partnership initiative between the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC), Ministry of Health, and the Healthier Lives National Science Challenge.

The successful recipients are the University of Otago, Wellington, for two projects – a study into preventing type 2 diabetes by including probiotics and prebiotics in the diet – and a digital health initiative aimed at helping people prevent and manage diabetes using online tools.

The National Hauora Coalition has also received funding to support a targeted programme aimed at improving outcomes for Māori living with diabetes.

“Chronic, long-term conditions like diabetes can have a significant, debilitating impact on people’s lives and the lives of their families. We have a serious health problem in New Zealand, with diabetes affecting about six per cent of our population,” says Professor McPherson.

“This funding partnership is a great example of a cross-government group working together to develop an evidence-base that will support innovative, effective approaches to tackling diabetes right across the health system. It also signals a major push to reduce health inequities in New Zealand, as our Māori and Pacific populations have a diabetes rate about three times higher than other New Zealanders.”

The successful projects are:

Preventing type 2 diabetes with probiotics and prebiotics (PDP2)
Associate Professor Jeremy Krebs – University of Otago, Wellington
$1,800,000
Duration: 36 months
Summary:
A quarter of New Zealanders have pre-diabetes, which is a condition that can progress to type 2 diabetes and cause significant long-term health problems. There is now research demonstrating that the microbes in our gut affect our health in many ways, including how our bodies process foods and sugars. We can modify our gut microbes by taking probiotic supplements (which contain live bacteria that give health benefits) and prebiotics (substances from foods which support gut microbes).

This study is a blinded randomised placebo-controlled trial to see if taking a probiotic supplement with either a standard cereal or a cereal enriched with a specific prebiotic called beta glucan for six months can improve glucose and fat levels in the blood of adults with pre-diabetes. In addition, this work will evaluate the cost effectiveness of the interventions and how to translate the study findings into clinical practice.

Innovative management of diabetes with a comprehensive digital health programme
Professor Diana Sarfati – University of Otago, Wellington
$1,600,000
Duration: 36 months
Summary:
Six per cent of New Zealand adults have diabetes mellitus and one in four have pre-diabetes. Rates of both are rapidly increasing, and are higher among Māori and Pacific people. We have developed an innovative digital health programme which supports prevention and self-management of pre-diabetes and diabetes. The programme is delivered via web and mobile-based platforms. It integrates with primary care providers and uses peer support, health coaches, health tracking, and tools with engaging content to drive changes in behaviour. Initial pilot results showed that more than 70 per cent of pre-diabetics had normal blood glucose levels after four months on the programme.

We propose a group of studies, including a randomised controlled trial, to assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of this intervention in reversing pre-diabetes and improving self-management of diabetes, compared with usual care. We will explicitly assess the impact among Māori and Pacific people, and focus on translating findings into clinical practice.

Mana Tū: a whānau ora approach to long-term conditions
Dr Matire Harwood – National Hauora Coalition
$2,300,000
Duration: 36 months
Summary:
Diabetes is a long-term condition in which there are significant ethnic and social disparities in prevalence and outcomes. There is huge scope to reduce diabetes inequalities. The complex nature of the condition means a comprehensive and sustained approach that tackles the wider determinants for causes, management and complications is required.

We propose to test Mana Tū – a programme co-designed with whānau, clinicians, health service planners and whānau ora providers to improve the impact of clinical and lifestyle interventions for whānau living with pre-diabetes and people with poorly controlled diabetes. Mana Tū deploys skilled and supported Kaimanaaki-whānau (KMs) in practices. The KMs use a mana whānau approach and work with general practice teams while being operationally supported by a central hub. The hub will co-ordinate broader community and social service support systems for whānau and provide training, programme design, and support within a rich data environment.

Read the Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith’s announcement

*About the partnership

The HRC, Ministry of Health and Healthier Lives National Science Challenge formed Long-Term Conditions Research Partnership to fund research which will improve our understanding of long-term conditions and support rapid transformational change in the delivery of care. The funding partners have an interest in supporting the development of an evidence-base that will support the identification and development of innovative, effective approaches that could be implemented across and beyond the health system.

The partnership presents a unique opportunity to explore new approaches to delivering health care in ways that meet the complex needs of people with long-term conditions. It is anticipated that this will include re-thinking health care delivery systems to coordinate activities and interventions across the continuum of care. For the purpose of this initiative long-term conditions is broadly defined as people with chronic conditions, therefore, people at risk of or having any ongoing, long-term or recurring condition that can have a significant impact on their lives.