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Columvi®

(glofitamab)

Pronounced koh-LOOM-vee

Columvi® also known as glofitamab, is a treatment for a type of blood cancer called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Columvi is used to treat DLBCL when:

  • the cancer has come back or has never responded to one or more previous treatments for this type of cancer
  • you cannot receive a stem cell transplant

Columvi is not funded by Pharmac.

Ask your doctor if Columvi is right for you.

How Columvi works

DLBCL is a type of blood cancer of a part of your immune system (the body’s defenses). 

• It affects a type of white blood cell called ‘B cells’

 • In DLBCL, B cells multiply in an uncontrolled manner and build up in your tissues.

 This medicine binds to the surface of the cancerous B-cells and also to the surface of ‘T-cells’ (another type of white blood cell). This binding on two targets activates T-cells and causes them to multiply, which leads to the rapid breakdown of the cancerous B-cells.

Clinical trial data

The safety and efficacy of Columvi  for the treatment of DLBCL has been proven in clinical trials.

Keep in mind that everyone is different, and the response and benefit you may experience cannot be predicted. Ask your doctor about the clinical evidence for Columvi and if it is right for you.

Possible side effects of Columvi

All medicines can have side effects. You’ll find a full list of possible side effects in the Columvi Consumer Medicine Information by clicking here.

Side effects can happen during or after you receive an infusion of Columvi. Some infusion reactions can be serious and life threatening.

Always talk to your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.

How is Columvi given

Columvi is given under the supervision of a doctor experienced in cancer treatment, in a hospital or clinic. It involves 12 treatment cycles given as an infusion. Each cycle lasts 21 days.

Further information can be found in the Consumer Medicine Information, by clicking here.

How to access Columvi

Columvi  is not publicly funded by PHARMAC. This means you will have to pay for this medicine, or if you have private health insurance, check with the insurer or your financial advisor to see if the medicine, or other treatment costs, are included in your policy.

Paying for treatment requires careful thought, but there are financial options and programmes that may help you fund private treatment.

To help NZ patients with the cost of treatment with Columvi, Roche has created a Cost Share Programme.

The Cost Share Programme is designed to reduce the cost of the medicine, by providing a discounted treatment plan.

Other costs, however, such as doctor fees and administration costs, will still apply.

Ready to take the next step?

Because every situation is different, it’s important to speak to your doctor to find out if Columvi is right for you.

Talking to your doctor about Columvi

We’ve put together a discussion guide to help you begin a conversation with your doctor. Print it off, take it along to your next appointment, and take notes in the spaces provided.

Download
For further information about private treatment providers click here.

You can also talk to your current doctor about referral to a private doctor or treatment centre.

To learn more about how medicines become available in New Zealand, click here.

Handy resources

Columvi Consumer Medicine Information
DOWNLOAD
Discussion guide
DOWNLOAD

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Columvi® (glofitamab), 2.5 mg/2.5 mL and 10 mg/10 mL vial, is a Prescription Medicine used for the treatment of adults with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). It is used when the cancer has come back (relapsed) or the cancer did not respond to previous treatments. 

Ask your doctor if Columvi is right for you. 

Columvi is an unfunded medicine 

Ask your health professional about the cost of the medicine and other fees that may apply.

Use only as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your healthcare professional. For more information about Columvi:

  • • talk to your health professional; or
  • • visit medsafe.govt.nz for Columvi Consumer Medicine Information; or
  • • visit roche.co.nz or call Roche on 0800 276 243.


Columvi has risks and benefits. 

Possible common side effects include: Reduced levels in blood tests of: neutrophils or lymphocytes  (types of white blood cell), which may cause fever or symptoms of an infection; red blood cells (anaemia), which may cause tiredness, feeling unwell and pale skin; platelets (a type of blood cell), which may cause unusual bruising or bleeding;  low levels in blood tests, phosphate, magnesium, calcium or potassium; low sodium levels in blood tests, which may cause tiredness, muscle twitching or cramps; increased levels in blood tests of liver enzymes and bilirubin (yellow substance in blood), which may cause yellowing of skin or eyes, and dark urine; fever; rash; headache; ; new or recurring viral infections, such as lung infection, shingles or cytomeglovirus; bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infection; infection in or around the stomach; respiratory tract infections, such as runny nose, sore throat, sinus infections, and chest colds; lung infection (pneumonia), which may cause fever, cough, and difficulty breathing; infection in blood (sepsis), which may cause fever, chills and confusion; fungal infection; COVID-19 infection caused by a virus called coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2); fever with low levels of neutrophils; ; constipation; diarrhoea; feeling sick (nausea); vomiting; bleeding in the stomach or gut (gastrointestinal haemorrhage), which may cause black stools or blood in vomit; abdominal (belly) pain; inflammation of the large bowel, which may cause abdominal pain, bloody stools and the urge to have a bowel movement; confusion; trembling; sleepiness; pain in muscles or bones; numbness, tingling, a burning sensation, pain, discomfort or weakness and /or difficulty walking (peripheral neuropathy);    inflammation of the pancreas.

Do not use Columvi if: you are allergic to glofitamab or any of the ingredients in Columvi.

Tell your doctor if: you have any other medical conditions or take any other medicines. Pregnancy/lactation: tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor immediately or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Centre if you notice any of the following: Cytokine release syndrome: symptoms include fever, fast heartbeat, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, chills, shortness of breath, fever with low levels of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) Neurologic toxicity including ICANS: symptoms include confusion, disorientation, sleepiness, or change in consciousness level Infections: symptoms include fever, chills, difficulty breathing, burning pain when passing urine Tumour flare: symptoms include your cancer appearing to become worse, developing tender swollen lymph nodes, chest pain, cough, inability to breathe easily, or pain at the site of the tumour Tumour lysis syndrome: symptoms include weakness, shortness of breath, feeling confused, irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps.

Consumer panel dated 19 May 2025 based on CMI dated 26 August 2024.

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Please refer to the Data Sheet or Consumer Medicine Information on the Medsafe website for product information applicable to New Zealand.

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