Friday, 14th April 2017
Cystic fibrosis patients in Meath and Westmeath are set to benefit
from a new deal between the Health Service Executive and
pharmaceutical company, Vertex, which will see Orkambi and Kalydeco
made available from next month.
The HSE are now working to finalise the contractual terms to make sure
we have the best and most robust deal possible for CF patients and the
healthcare service overall.
Minister Damien English says that the deal announced by Minister for
Health, Simon Harris is a landmark decision for CF patients and their
families. The HSE and Vertex have reached an agreement in principle on
the commercial terms for the supply to Irish patients of Orkambi for
patients aged 12 years an older and for Kalydeco for patients aged 2
to 5 years and for other treatments and age cohorts following market
authorisation in Europe.
“This is great news for CF patients here in Meath and Westmeath. I
know that this has been a particularly difficult time for all cystic
fibrosis patients and their families and hopefully this announcement
gives them some degree of relief and certainty.
“I want to thank my Fine Gael colleague, the Minister for Health,
Simon Harris, and the HSE for bringing this deal to fruition. I know
they have been working hard on this deal for a number of months.
Speaking of the announcement, Minister Harris said, “I was very
pleased to be in a position to bring this news to CF patients and
their families this week. I hope that it will help to finally put
people’s minds at rest, knowing that the drugs their family and
friends need will be available to them from the beginning of next
month.”
ENDS
DAMIEN ENGLISH T.D. 