Vertex secures expanded EU approval for Kaftrio

US biotech company Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: VRTX) has received European Commission approval to extend the use of its cystic fibrosis therapy, Kaftrio (ivacaftor/tezacaftor/elexacaftor), in combination with ivacaftor.

The updated authorization permits treatment for children aged two years and older who have at least one non-class I mutation in the CFTR gene. Previously, the therapy was approved for patients aged six and above with specific genetic mutations.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting more than 94,000 people in North America, Europe, and Australia, leading to progressive lung damage and other complications.