Top of page
Health

Cystic fibrosis Orkambi drug will ‘transform lives’ of young people

Colorful pills and capsules

The lives of young people with cystic fibrosis will be “transformed” by a life-extending drug approved to treat the condition, campaigners have said.

Earlier this month , the Department of Health confirmed its intention to make Orkambi available in Northern Ireland. It improves lung function in those with cystic fibrosis – a life-shortening genetic condition that can cause fatal lung damage.

Approximately one in 2,500 babies born in the UK has cystic fibrosis. Only about half of those with the condition live to the age of 32.

Orkambi does not work for all patients, but two other drugs to treat cystic fibrosis symptoms, Symkevi and Kalydeco, will also be made available in Northern Ireland.

Symkevi is restricted to over 12-year-olds, while Kalydeco can be used from 12 months. Families have campaigned for Orkambi since 2015, when it was licensed to treat certain cystic fibrosis patients.

The drug can be given to children as young as two.The drug, which costs approximately £104,000 a year per patient, was deemed too expensive by the health advisory body, NICE.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition in which the lungs and digestive system can become clogged with thick, sticky mucus. It can cause problems with breathing and digestion from a young age.

You might also like

Doctor consulting with patient Back problems Doctor consulting with patient Back problems

Aquatic therapy helps people with chronic low back pain

A new Concordia study suggests that aquatic therapy for individuals…

woman feeding food to girl with disabilities woman feeding food to girl with disabilities

Persons with disabilities face new setback in accessing nutrition care

Dietitians Australia has raised serious concerns over a proposed cut…

people on the stage people on the stage

Future-proofing aged care and disability services in Gilgandra

Gilgandra Shire Council (GSC) have taken home the Highly Commended…

Spiral strand of DNA on the dark background Spiral strand of DNA on the dark background

Children with multiple sclerosis may age faster, study finds

Researchers from University of California San Diego School of Medicine…