NHS chief reveals that a life-saving deal for CF drugs ‘just weeks away’

A DEAL for life-saving cystic fibrosis drugs may be “weeks” away.

The head of NHS England told the Health Select Committee yesterday that “intensive” talks with US drugs firm Vertex have left them on the “verge” of a solution.

And Vertex later told this newspaper: “We are hopeful that we will be able to finalise an agreement soon.”

The Daily Express has been crusading for an NHS deal for Vertex’s CF drugs Orkambi and Symkevi.

Since Orkambi alone has been licensed but unavailable on the NHS, we fear more than 274 sufferers have needlessly died.

NHS chief executive Simon Stevens told MPs: “The negotiations have intensified in recent times.

“I am increasingly confident we will be able to reach an agreement, provided the company accept that needs to be endorsed by NICE.”

Committee chair Dr Sarah Wollaston said: “That’s very encouraging but we’ve been in the position before where we are always on the verge.”

Mr Stevens replied: “We haven’t ever been on the verge before.”

Labour MP Paul Williams asked: “Are we talking four weeks’ time? Eight weeks’ time? When can people expect a resolution?”

Mr Stevens said: “I think we are talking shorter timelines than that, one way or the other, and I’m hopeful we can get an offer resolution.”

The remarks sparked the CF community into excitement and hope.

Sharon Cranfield, of Tadworth, Surrey – mother to poorly Jessica, 18 – said: “This was the most positive response we’ve seen from the NHS.

“Thank you for all the pressure the Daily Express has put on all sides.”

Campaigner Alison Dillon – mum to CF-suffering TV actor son Oli, 21 – told us: “I know lives will be saved if this decision is made. For the first time in a long time I feel hopeful.”

Their optimism was boosted by Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Monday evening in a tweet to a CF parent. Mr Hancock posted about a CF drugs deal: “I’m working on it.

“Not straightforward but I had a good meeting with Vertex recently and remain hopeful.”

Last month Scotland struck the UK’s first discounted deal.

Over the weekend Vertex sealed deals in Australia and Spain, prompting UK sufferers to hope they would be next in line.