A West Clare Cystic Fibrosis sufferer has described as a “dream come true”, the announcement that a life-changing drug will be made available next month.
Health Minister Simon Harris announced last night that the HSE has reached a deal with pharmaceutical firm Vertex to provide Orkambi and Kalydeco to about 600 people suffering with CF in Ireland.
The Health Service Executive and manufacturers Vertex have reached agreement in principle, it will now have to be signed off on by lawyers on both sides.
The deal will also see other drugs being made available to people of other ages, who suffer from the condition, once authorised in Europe.
Robert Cooke from Kilrush, who suffers from CF, feared he would run out of time before the drug became available to him but he says this decision has given fresh hope to him and other sufferers across the country.
A minute’s silence is being held outside the Dáil this lunchtime for those who have lost their lives to Cystic Fibrosis in the past.
Shannon man Kieran McCarthy, who’s eight year old daughter Aibhinn suffers from CF, says he’s still angry that it took this long for a deal to be made:
