Gazyva®
(obinutuzumab)
Pronounced Gaz-zie-vah
Gazyva, also known as obinutuzumab, is a prescription medicine used to treat indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (iNHL).
First-line therapy
Gazyva is registered by Medsafe for the first-line treatment of adult patients with iNHL for:
- induction treatment, in combination with chemotherapy
- followed by maintenance therapy given, as a single treatment for a set number of cycles to help prevent relapse
Relapsed/refractory iNHL
It is also registered by Medsafe for the treatment of adult patients with iNHL that did not respond to rituximab or have relapsed following treatment with rituximab, as
- induction treatment, in combination with chemotherapy
- followed by maintenance therapy given, as a single treatment for a set number of cycles to help prevent relapse
How Gazyva works

Gazyva is a type of treatment called monoclonal antibody therapy, and it works differently to other forms of cancer medicine you may know about.
Antibodies are proteins produced naturally in the body, which specifically recognize and bind to other unique proteins in the body called antigens. Researchers have learned how to engineer and produce antibodies that target specific antigens found on cancer cells. These are known as monoclonal antibodies, and they mimic natural antibodies.
Gazyva has been designed to target and attach to the CD20 protein (antigen) found on the surface of mature B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Follicular lymphoma cells are affected B lymphocytes that can be targeted by Gazyva.
Once attached to the CD20 protein, Gazyva works in two different ways:
1. By helping your own immune system destroy the cancer cells
2. By destroying the cancer cells on its own.
Possible side effects of Gazyva
All medicines can have side effects. You’ll find a full list of possible side effects in the Gazyva Consumer Medicine Information by clicking here.
Side effects can happen during or after you receive an infusion of Gazyva. Some infusion reactions can be serious and life threatening.
Always talk to your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Clinical trial data
The safety and efficacy of Gazyva for the treatment of iNHL disease has been studied 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 Gazyva and if it is right for you.
Gazyva is the most effective anti CD20 monoclonal antibody available for the treatment of first line follicular lymphoma.
In clinical trials, Gazyva has been shown to improve progression-free survival and reduce the risk of relapse and death over the currently funded anti CD20 monoclonal antibody for follicular lymphoma.

How to access Gazyva
Gazyva is registered by Medsafe, but not publicly funded by PHARMAC for the treatment of follicular lymphoma. This means you will have to pay for this medicine.
Paying for treatment requires careful thought, but there are financial options that may help you fund private treatment. If you have health insurance, carefully check what’s covered — every health insurance provider has different rules and benefits that cover cancer treatment, surgery, tests and specialist appointments.
Innovative cancer treatments like Gazyva are available in New Zealand but not funded by PHARMAC. Gazyva is supported by high quality research. It has been designed to improve outcomes to give you more time and quality of life.
It’s important and empowering for you to understand all your options, and know you’re getting the treatment that gives you your best chance.
If you are considering treatment with Gazyva, talk to your doctor about:
• How much the medicines will cost
• What benefits the medicines might give you
• What the risks or side effects may be
All treatments need to be considered in line with your individual situation, and your healthcare provider will determine whether Gazyva is the right treatment for you.
Ready to take the next step?
Making decisions about treatment options involves working through the advantages and disadvantages, so you can decide what may work best for you and your loved ones.
Because every situation is different, it’s important to speak to your medical team to find out if Gazyva is right for you.
Talking to your doctor about Gazyva
We’ve put together a discussion guide to help you begin a conversation with your doctor about Gazyva. Print it off, take it along to your next appointment, and take notes in the spaces provided.
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 center.
To learn more about how medicines become available in New Zealand, click here.
Handy resources
