Thousands of patients in England will benefit from a ‘transformational’ cystic fibrosis drug now available on the NHS
- Kaftrio is a ‘triple combination therapy’ which helps improve lung function
- It will help those with cystic fibrosis, a hereditary disease, to breathe more easily
- NHS patients will be some of the first in Europe to be prescribed the new drug
Thousands of patients in England are set to benefit from a ‘transformational’ cystic fibrosis treatment now available on the NHS.
Kaftrio is a ‘triple combination therapy’ containing three drugs – ivacaftor, tezacaftor and elexacaftor – which improve lung function and help those with the hereditary disease breathe more easily.
It is set to revolutionise treatment for those with cystic fibrosis which disrupts the body’s ability to regulate salt and water transport in the body, causing damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs.
NHS patients will be some of the first in Europe to be prescribed the drug after it was given the go-ahead by regulators on Friday.
Thousands of patients in England are set to benefit from a ‘transformational’ cystic fibrosis treatment now available on the NHS (stock image)
More than 7,000 people in England will benefit from the treatment known as a ‘triple combination therapy’ following a deal with Vertex Pharmaceuticals was struck earlier this summer.
NHS national medical director, Professor Stephen Powis, said: ‘At the same time as staff came together to put in a herculean effort to treat over 108,000 for coronavirus in hospitals, they also continued providing round the clock care for patients with long-term conditions such as cystic fibrosis, and this landmark deal has put NHS patients at the front of the queue for transformational treatment.’
The chief executive of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust said the licensing marked a ‘step change in the treatment’ of the illness.
David Ramsden added: ‘With agreements between Vertex and governments across the UK already in place, thousands of eligible people across the UK can now discuss with their clinical team how they can start this treatment as soon as possible.’
Reshma Kewalramani, president of Vertex, said: ‘Today is a significant day for those with CF, their families and Vertex, and one that brings us one step closer towards our ultimate goal of discovering and developing treatments for all patients with CF.
More than 7,000 people in England will benefit from the treatment known as a ‘triple combination therapy’ following a deal with Vertex Pharmaceuticals was struck earlier this summer (stock image)
‘I would like to thank our dedicated scientists, as well as study investigators and people with CF who participated in our clinical trials to enable this innovative medicine to be approved in Europe today.
‘Without their commitment, this milestone would not have been possible.’
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: ‘In June, we secured a deal with Vertex to provide its latest wonder drug Kaftrio to patients as soon as it received a licence from the European Medicines Agency.
‘Today, that promise becomes a reality and thousands of children with cystic fibrosis across the country can now access this treatment immediately on the NHS.
‘I hope today’s news provides renewed hope to families for a brighter and better future. I continue to be inspired by the spirit and courageousness of all those who worked with us to make this happen.’