Cystic fibrosis patients to get revolutionary new treatment

THOUSANDS of cystic fibrosis patients in England are to receive a new “transformational” drug after the treatment became available on the NHS.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by a genetic mutation 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.

Kaftrio is a “triple combination therapy” and contains three ingredients – ivacaftor, tezacaftor and elexacaftor – which improve lung function and help those with the hereditary disease breathe more easily.

NHS patients will be some of the first in Europe to be prescribed the drug after it was given the go-ahead by regulators yesterday. More than 7,000 people in England will benefit from the treatment after a deal with Vertex Pharmaceuticals was struck in June.

Prof Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “This landmark deal has put NHS patients at the front of the queue for transformational treatment.”

David Ramsden, the chief executive of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said the licensing marked a “step change in the treatment” of the illness. He added: “Thousands of eligible people across the UK can now discuss with their clinical team how they can start this treatment as soon as possible.”

Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, said: “I hope this news provides renewed hope to families. I continue to be inspired by the spirit and courageousness of all those who worked with us to make this happen.”