A DEAL to make a life transforming wonder drug for cystic fibrosis patients available in Scotland is “currently being finalised”, the National has learned.
On Tuesday the NHS in England agreed a deal with biopharmaceutical firm Vertex for its three-drug therapy Kaftrio.
That means around 7000 patients south of the border will be among the first in Europe to have access to the medication.
The Scottish Government revealed yesterday that the deal struck by NHS England was “part of a four nations approach” which should mean patients here soon having access to the treatment too.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It massively impacts on victims’ quality of life and length of life.
In 2017, the 132 people with cystic fibrosis who died had a median age of just 31
Clinical trials of Kaftrio have proven that the treatment significantly improves lung function in patients.
Maggie Gallacher, whose daughter has the condition said the treatment could be “game changing.”
The campaigner, who chairs the Quest for a CF Cure patient interest group, said: “People spend a lot of time in hospitals, they spend a lot of time attending treatments, physiotherapy. This could minimise all of that. It could give them the chance to live a normal life, which is just outstanding, I just can’t believe it.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We are very pleased that NHS England has negotiated a pricing deal on this medicine, which they have led on as part of a four nations approach.
“The full details of an equivalent arrangement for NHS Scotland are currently being finalised. We are aiming to provide an update imminently as we understand the positive impact that Kaftrio will bring the cystic fibrosis community across Scotland.”
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Medicines Consortium said they were currently working with the Scottish Government and colleagues in NHS National Procurement to “consider the best approach to the assessment of Kaftrio for the treatment of cystic fibrosis.”
Kaftrio is the first drug that works in patients with the F508del and MF mutations, around 90% of whom have cystic fibrosis.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here