A new ‘truly life-transforming’ treatment for cystic fibrosis will be available to patients on the NHS, Sir Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, has announced.
Three in five patients with the deadly genetic condition could benefit from the ‘triple combination’ treatment produced by Vertex Pharmaceuticals. This means nine out of 10 patients with cystic fibrosis, more than 7000 people, will now benefit from a therapy which tackles the underlying causes of the disease, by helping the lungs work effectively.
‘This is a potentially transformational treatment for cystic fibrosis, and I am proud that, thanks to this landmark deal, NHS patients will be among the first in Europe to benefit,’ said Simon Stevens.
‘Staff have pulled out all of the stops to provide specialist hospital care to 100,000 patients with COVID-19 and countless others with the virus, but they have also been working round the clock to help those needing urgent care or with serious long-term conditions such as cystic fibrosis. The triple therapy is the latest improvement in care which will help thousands of people with CF lead longer, healthier lives and shows once again that where drug companies are prepared to work flexibly with the NHS we can deliver life-changing medicines.’
NHS England recently announced that thousands of people with the condition will receive devices allowing medics to monitor their condition remotely, as part of the NHS drive to give more people connected, supported and personalised care in their own homes, saving them from having to make trips to hospital.
‘Every family dreams of seeing their children reach their full potential and I am bowled over by the incredible bravery of families living with cystic fibrosis. In October we reached a fair deal with Vertex to give patients Orkambi at a price we could afford, transforming the lives of hundreds,’ said Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
‘I’m absolutely thrilled we have now secured a deal for Kaftrio, a cutting-edge medicine which gives hope to families and patients for a longer, healthier and happier future. I will always fight for families and loved ones to have access to the best possible treatments so that everyone has the opportunity to flourish.’