13/11/2019

CF Drugs To Be Available Within Weeks

Clinicians will begin prescribing life-changing drugs to local Cystic Fibrosis patients in a matter of weeks, the Department of Health has confirmed.

Orkambi, Symkevi and Kalydeco will be made available through a deal with manufacturer Vertex Pharmaceuticals which follows similar arrangements in England and Scotland.

DoH Permanent Secretary Richard Pengelly said pricing arrangements for the drugs will be finalised and signed off in the near future.

Providing an update to patients, the health chief said: "Arrangements are being put in place to ensure clinicians will be able to begin prescribing the drugs to the first eligible patients within the next few weeks. It is estimated that in excess of 270 patients will be eligible for the new drugs under the agreement."



(JG/CM)

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