Young CF patients have access to essential drug

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/09/2022 (244 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

One of the most important and fulfilling decisions I have announced as provincial health minister has been to add the cystic fibrosis drug Trikafta to the provincial formulary.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs. It is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults.

Trikafta has shown to significantly improve the quality of life for people living with cystic fibrosis and we know this will give new hope to children and their families.

It is a triple-combination drug used not just for treating symptoms but to also target the basic defect from specific genetic mutations that cause cystic fibrosis.

It helps people better manage their illnesses and has helped tens of thousands of people with cystic fibrosis live their lives normally, instead of struggling for every breath.

Last October, I was proud to be joined by my constituents Jackie and Dennis Snarr, who are hardworking advocates on behalf of their young grandson, Jack, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Together we announced that Trikafta would be added to the provincial formulary and available through Manitoba Pharmacare for patients aged 12 and up.

On Aug. 17, I was pleased to expand the coverage of Trikafta this summer to patients aged six and up, after the receiving the approval of Health Canada.

Expanding coverage to younger people will ensure they can access this transformative medication and live their lives to the fullest for years to come.

There are more than 4,300 people with cystic fibrosis in Canada, and 130 of them in Manitoba. Trikafta has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of so many patients and their families.

It has been a long battle for Trikafta to make its way into the lives of all Canadian patients, which makes every single development worthy of celebration.

Plenty of children, just like Jack, will now be able to have a better quality of life due to the recent eligibility expansion of Trikafta for use.