Toronto 
Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario will be providing access to Trikafta, a new drug used to treat the most common form of cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease in which thick mucus accumulates in the lungs, digestive tract and other parts of the body. Symptoms of cystic fibrosis may include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, frequent chest infections and weight loss. Cystic fibrosis can lead to serious respiratory issues, malnutrition and other complications. There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis.
Trikafta was approved by Health Canada on June 18.
The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health has recommended the drug for the treatment of cystic fibrosis in patients 12 years and older who have at least one F508del mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene.
Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA), which the provinces are part of, has been engaged in successful negotiations with Vertex Pharmaceuticals regarding Trikafta.
The three provinces have approved funding the medication for those 12 years and older who meet eligibility criteria.
President and CEO, Cystic Fibrosis Canada Kelly Grover said, “Trikafta is the single greatest innovation in cystic fibrosis history and it has the power to transform the lives of thousands of Canadians.”
It is estimated that one in every 3,600 children born in Canada has cystic fibrosis. An estimated 1,500 Ontarians and 600 Albertans have cystic fibrosis.
Ontario news release states that the listed price of Trikafta is approximately $300,000 per patient per year.
