New drug approved to treat Cystic Fibrosis

Hundreds of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients are due to get access to a new treatment following the approval of a new drug for use in Ireland.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals has announced it has received EU market authorisation for Symkevi, used to treat those aged 12 and older.

Cystic fibrosis is a common inherited disease that affects the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, leading to frequent and severe infections.

It is caused by a faulty gene that controls the movement of salt and water in and out of cells in the body, and affects over 1,100 people in Ireland.

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The EU regulatory decision will result in Irish patients having access to the new drug.

“I am delighted to see that a new treatment has been approved for CF patients in Ireland and their families,” Minister for Health Simon Harris said in a statement on Friday.

“Over the next number of weeks the HSE will work with Vertex to ensure timely access to this new treatment for Irish patients. This is a really important development and a significant day for patients with cystic fibrosis.”