Hundreds of severe asthma sufferers will have access to a new medicine from next month.
Mepolizumab is also known as Nucala. Photo: msd.com
Drug buying agency Pharmac said the drug, Mepolizumab, would be available to patients and would be injected every four weeks by a health professional.
It said it would be used alongside preventers, such as steroids and inhalers.
A severe asthma sufferer, Alex, has been taking steroids for over 30 years.
Four weeks ago, she had her first injection of Mepolizumab.
"I haven't coughed in four weeks or had a severe attack and Mepolizumab has already made a huge difference to my asthma - I am no longer breathless," she said.
Pharmac said the medication would likely result in fewer hospital visits and life-threatening attacks.