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Hope for cystic fibrosis sufferers as Health Minister commits to listing of ‘breakthrough’ drug

Article image for Hope for cystic fibrosis sufferers as Health Minister commits to listing of ‘breakthrough’ drug

Health Minister Greg Hunt has guaranteed he’ll list a crucial drug for cystic fibrosis sufferers on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) if it’s cleared by medical experts.

The drug Orkambi is due to go before the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee in July and the Minister is confident it’ll be cleared.

“I’m very, very, very hopeful that they will list it. If they recommend it, I’m guaranteeing today we will list it,” Minister Hunt tells Ray Hadley.

Orkambi improves lung function and is a pathway to a “life-changing” drug currently being considered in the US.

“The advice that I have is Orkambi is a great breakthrough,” the Minister says.

“The new drug is likely, if it gets through the FDA,… to give incredible capacity and function back to cystic fibrosis sufferers.”

The Minister says he’s working on arranging immediate “compassionate access” for those with the greatest need.

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Bill McDonald
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