Talks on Orkambi deal to begin today between HSE and Vertex

Talks are set to begin today between the Health Service Executive and Vertex, the pharmaceutical company that produce Cystic Fibrosis drug Orkambi.

More than 600 patients in Ireland are urgently awaiting news on the life-changing drug, including nine-year-old Saoirse Brophy from Tallaght.

Speaking today Minister for Health, Simon Harris said HSE staff had allocated a significant amount of time for discussions, and if a deal can be done the funding could come from the existing budget.

The initial cost of the drug per patient was believed to be €159,000, however, this is now believed to have been reduced significantly.

Minister Harris also said any deal done with Vertex in relation to Orkambi and another Cystic Fibrosis drug called Kalydeco, would need to be brought to cabinet.