NICE approves access to cystic fibrosis drugs in England

A deal has been agreed to provide NHS patients in England with continued access to crucial drugs that treat the life-limiting condition cystic fibrosis.

After a period of negotiation with pharmaceutical company Vertex International, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has now given its approval for the modulator drugs, Symkevi, Orkambi and Kaftrio, to be made available on the NHS in England.  It is thought patients in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales will soon see similar agreements announced.

Cystic fibrosis can cause patients to die before reaching their 40s, as mucus clogs and damages their lungs.  The modulator drugs are revolutionary in that they treat the root cause, by bypassing the genetic errors responsible for the disease.  It is thought that around 11,000 people have the condition in the UK.

A spokesperson for NICE said the organisation “is grateful to NHS England, Vertex and the patient groups for working so tirelessly to provide the right evidence to allow a fair price to be agreed” for taxpayers and the NHS.

John Stewart, NHS England’s director of specialised commissioning, said “The NHS has a strong track record of offering people with cystic fibrosis life-changing treatments with 8,000 people now benefitting – and today’s deal gives families security knowing that they will be guaranteed access to these drugs for years to come.”

David Ramsden, Cystc Fibrosis Trust’s chief executive, called the deal a “fantastic moment”, adding “We should not forget though, that these treatments are not a cure and simply don’t work for some people.  With the support of our incredible community, clinicians and researchers, a lot has been achieved, but we know there is still lots more to do.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s Legal 500 recommended West Yorkshire medical negligence solicitors, have over 20 years of experience and specialist expertise in medical negligence investigations and claims, supporting injured clients and their families through the legal process and helping them obtain answers, justice and compensation after life-changing events.  We have offices in Huddersfield, Wakefield, Halifax, Leeds, Bradford and Morley and represent clients locally and nationally.

If you or a relative have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence lawyers on the freephone number below or e-mail us.

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 304 7382