SCOTTISH ministers have struck a deal with the manufacturer behind a so-called "wonder drug" for cystic fibrosis.

Clinical trials have shown that Kaftrio is life transforming for 90% of patients with the illness.

The drug, produced by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, is a medicine that tackles the underlying causes of the disease by helping the lungs work more effectively.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, said she was very pleased to be able to offer the treatment on the NHS in Scotland. 

She said: “Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition, which tragically shortens lives and affects around 900 people in Scotland. 

“I am therefore very pleased that a revised pricing agreement has been reached between NHS National Procurement and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, to ensure that Kaftrio®, can be made available for the treatment of cystic fibrosis through the NHS.

“This is a potentially transformational treatment for cystic fibrosis, and I am delighted that patients in Scotland will be among the first in Europe to benefit and lead longer, healthier lives.

“The deal, agreed ahead of a licence being granted by the European Medicines Agency, means that clinicians working in cystic fibrosis treatment centres, will be able to prescribe the medicine to patients whom they consider will benefit from their use as soon as the licence is granted, in the coming weeks.

“I hope that this news will be welcome to many people who live with cystic fibrosis, and also their families and friends.”

It is estimated that around 800 people with cystic fibrosis in Scotland should be suitable for treatment with the range of medicines that are now available.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It massively impacts on health and both the quality of life and the length of someone’s life. 

In 2017, the 132 people with cystic fibroses who died had a median age of just 31.

Clinical trials of Kaftrio have proven that the treatment significantly improves lung function in people with cystic fibrosis. 

Campaigners Maggie Gallagher and Marion Ferguson from the Quest for a CF Cure Patient Group said they were "elated" by the news. 

They said: "Credit must go to Cabinet Secretary For Health, Jeane Freeman who instructed her staff to work with NHS England and the other nation’s health administrations on this deal.

"Thanks to the work of Blake Dark, Commercial Medicines Director for NHS England who struck the initial deal and paved the way for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Alison Strath, Principal Pharmaceutical Officer in The Scottish Government has worked tirelessly over the last few months to secure a deal for the cystic fibrosis community in Scotland.

"There has been a real will to deliver on Kaftrio and we thank all involved in negotiations. From the start of our campaigning for new CF medicines in 2012, we have had the support of many cross party MSPs especially Alex Neil and Jackie Baillie who latterly worked jointly on the Orkambi campaign to organise cross party meetings and raise awareness." 

They added: We welcome the imminent licensing of this amazing life transforming medicine. It really is a dream come true. Unfortunately, for some, this agreement has come too late and our sympathies and gratitude go to those families who have lost their loved ones but have continued to support this cause.

"We are also mindful that 10% of the CF community are unable to have any of these drugs due to them not being effective for their genotype. We urge scientists to keep going so as CF can truly be an illness of the past."