HSE reach deal on the use of Orkambi for Irish Cystic Fibrosis patients

Minister for Health, Simon Harris has this evening said a deal between the HSE and the makers of Cystic Fibrosis drugs Orkambi and Kalydeco has been reached in principal.

The cost of the drugs, which are made by Vertex, had been a massive stumbling block in the HSE securing the use of Orkambi and Kalydeco.

The exact details and the cost to the HSE for securing the drugs is as of yet unknown as the contractual side of the deal has yet to be finalised.

However, speaking this evening Minister Harris said: “I know it has been an extraordinarily difficult time for Cystic Fibrosis patients, their families and their friends, as they awaited this news, but finally we have an agreement.

“In the next few days Vertex and HSE will work on the contractual terms to make sure we have the best and most robust deal possible, but the main news for patients is that these drugs will be available here in this country from next month.

“I want to thank and commend the many advocates right around the country, people with Cystic Fibrosis, mothers, fathers, brother and sisters who campaigned for certainty for themselves or their loved one in terms of access to these drugs.”

More than 600 Cystic Fibrosis patients are compatible with these life enhancing drugs, including nine-year-old Saoirse Brophy who herself asked the Minister to strike a deal with Vertex.