Last month, NHS England and drug manufacturers Vertex Pharmaceutical reached a confidential deal.
The drug is called Orkambi; it improves the functions of lungs. It also helps in decreasing breathing difficulties.
Initially, the firm wanted to charge £100,000 per person, but NHS England secured a cheaper deal.
As part of the deal, patients will have access to two other drugs which treat the symptoms of C.F, Symkevi and Kalydeco.
Gary Connett, a paediatric respiratory consultant at University Hospital Southampton, said: “Many patients and their families were very excited when they first heard the news. After spending months on protest and sending letters to MP’s, the drugs for the disease is finally approved.
We are now waiting for approval of triple combination therapy, also called as Trikafta, which is more beneficial than Orkambi. So far, it is only available in the US.”
Professor Connett practices at University Hospital Southampton.
Food and drug administration approved the use of Trikafta in the US. In the UK 90% of people with CF can benefit if Trikafta is granted a license.
Cystic Fibrosis is a life-shortening genetic condition that can induce fatal lung damage. It can affect pancreas, liver, kidney and intestine.
Only patients with a particular mutation will benefit from the drug. Orkambi can be given to patients as young as two. While Symkevi is restricted to 12 years old, Kalydeco can be used from 12 months.
The average life expectancy of a person living with CF in the UK is 36 years.
It is estimated that the drug will benefit 10,000 patients in the UK.
The drug was first available in Scotland. This month Wales reached an agreement with Vertex Pharmaceutical.
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