Progress in Vertex talks bring cystic fibrosis drugs closer for Irish patients

13 April 2017

Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) has announced that its latest round of negotiations with US biotech firm Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: VRTX) were a success, bringing access to its drugs closer for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

The drugs involved are now expected to be available and reimbursed subject to the conclusion of contract negotiations, the finalization of logistical arrangements and the completion of the approval processes.

Orkambi (lumacaftor/ivacaftor) is set to be made available for CF patients aged 12 years and older who are homozygous for the F508del mutation in the CFTR gene, while those aged 18 years and older who have an R117H mutation in the CFTR gene will have access to Kalydeco (ivacaftor) film-coated tablets.

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