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Cystic fibrosis drug decision

Health Minister Mark Drakeford says the cystic fibrosis drug ivacaftor (Kalydeco)) will be made available in Wales. It follows protests after a strategy group recommended the drug should not be made available due to cost.

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  1. Rob Osborne, Health Reporter

'Issues of equity' are the reason for cystic fibrosis drug decision

A spokesperson for the Health Minister said ivacaftor (Kalydeco) will be available for all eligible patients in Wales.

Earlier this week, the All Wales Medicine Stategy Group advised the Health Minister not to recommend the drug for anyone over the age of six on grounds of cost - advice the Minisiter has now rejected.

AWMSG’s advice in relation to Kalydeco will have taken into account issues of cost effectiveness and available clinical trial data. Given that data is limited, and costs are high – at some £180,000 per patient per year, these are very proper considerations.

Issues of equity in this case, however, lead me to conclude that a way must be found to provide Kalydeco within NHS Wales for those eligible patients with cystic fibrosis. I am currently advised that there are in the region of 13 eligible patients in Wales and I confirm Kalydeco will be available for these individuals.

– Mark Drakeford AM, Health Minister
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Cystic fibrosis drug decision

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