A triple therapy which improves lung function in cystic fibrosis sufferers has been extended on the NHS, which will benefit hundreds of children.
The treatment, also known as Kaftrio, has already helped thousands of patients when it was initially secured by NHS England back in June 2020.
Children aged six to eleven will be eligible for the treatment which previously was only available for patients aged 12 and above.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “Since NHS staff delivered one of the fastest rollouts of Kaftrio in the world just over a year ago, the lives of thousands of patients with cystic fibrosis have been transformed.
“Innovative treatments like Kaftrio are life-changing for patients and their families, and that is why the NHS has done all it can since we secured the deal for Kaftrio to ensure patients benefit as soon as possible.
“The latest development will ensure hundreds of children will now be able to access this incredible treatment for the first time.
“The NHS Long Term Plan committed to using the latest cutting-edge treatments and therapies to save and improve patients’ lives, and this is the latest example of NHS England using the advanced commercial capabilities we have been given to deliver this.”
More than 1,300 young people are expected to benefit from it across England, with 700 receiving the treatment for the first time.
Over 8,000 people currently suffer with cystic fibrosis in England, the second highest figure in the world.
June Raine, MHRA chief executive, said: “It’s very good news that after a rigorous review, we have approved Kaftrio for children aged six to 11, enabling the NHS to bring this life-saving treatment to more children suffering from cystic fibrosis.
“We will continue to work closely with our colleagues across the health system to help bring cutting-edge medicines to patients.”
