Pharmac nears deal to fund drug for cystic fibrosis

Te Pātaka Whaioranga Pharmac has reached a provisional agreement with medicine supplier Vertex to fund Trikafta for those with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand said in September New Zealanders with cystic fibrosis were moving overseas to get subsidised access to Trikafta.

Chief executive Lisa Burns said Pharmac’s assessments showed the drug could deliver substantial benefits, however, it had not been moved up Pharmac’s priority list.

At the time Pharmac said the treatment was still on the investment options list, but the ranking — out of 79 — was commercially sensitive.

Yesterday it announced it was starting consultation on the funding of the drug for people aged 6 and above who met the eligibility criteria.

Director of operations Lisa Williams said it had the potential to make a substantial difference to the lives of those living with cystic fibrosis and for their whānau.

“We estimate that, if funded, Trikafta could give people with cystic fibrosis up to 27 more years at full health, when compared with supportive care. This would significantly reduce the impact of the condition on people with cystic fibrosis, their whānau and communities.”

Its respiratory advisory committee and pharmacology and therapeutics advisory committee have both recommended it should be funded.

Their advice was based on how the drug significantly improved lung function and other symptoms.

“I want to acknowledge the time that many people have put into advocating for those living with cystic fibrosis and to those who have shared their own very personal stories with us . . . we know there will be a lot of people thrilled to hear we are proposing to fund Trikafta,” Williams said.

Funding is proposed to start on April 1 next year.