This Cystic Fibrosis Drug Is a ‘Miracle’ But These Families Can’t Get It
A new drug to fight cystic fibrosis, or CF, has been hailed by some families as a ‘miracle.’ However, due to its high cost, only a few of those affected by this devastating illness will be able to get access to it.
What is cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system of those diagnosed with it. People can get CF if both of their parents pass on a mutated version of the CF gene. It causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, leading to breathing problems and other serious health issues.
The ‘Miracle’ Drug
The new CF drug, called Trikafta, was created by Vertex Pharmaceuticals. In clinical trials, the drug increased lung function in more than 90 percent of those diagnosed with CF. Those who took the drug saw significant improvement in their health, with some families even calling Trikafta a ‘miracle.’
A Costly Drug
Unfortunately, the new drug won’t be available to everyone. Trikafta is incredibly expensive, at $311,000 per year per person. For an estimated 25,000 CF patients in the US, that translates to an annual cost of around $7.8 billion. Furthermore, insurance companies may not cover the cost of the drug for many families, due to its high price.
Why The High Cost?
Many are asking why the drug is so expensive. It took Vertex 13 years and over $2 billion to develop Trikafta, and the company argues that the high cost is necessary to recoup their investments. But others argue that this cost is far too high for many families to pay for the potentially life-saving treatment.
How Can Families Afford Trikafta?
Families are looking for ways to cover the cost of the drug, but there is little help available. Here are some options available to those looking to get Trikafta:
- Government funding: Families are hoping that the government will step in and cover the cost of the drug, or at least provide financial assistance.
- Vertex’s program: Vertex has a ‘patient assistance program’ that helps families pay for the drug’s cost. However, this program is not enough to cover the entire cost for every patient.
- Fundraising and donations: Families are reaching out to friends and family for donations, and crowdfunding campaigns have also been set up.
- Advocacy organizations: Organizations like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) are working to secure funding for those affected by the disease.
Conclusion
While Trikafta is a potential ‘miracle’ for those diagnosed with CF, the high cost of the drug means that only a few people will get access to it. Families are desperately looking for a way to cover the cost of the drug, and are hoping that the government or advocacy organizations can help.
References
- https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/10/health/trikafta-cystic-fibrosis-approval-fda/index.html
- https://www.statnews.com/2019/10/29/vertex-will-not-lower-cost-trikafta-cystic-fibrosis-patients/
An experimental drug, Trikafta, has been deemed a “miracle” by doctors and patients with cystic fibrosis. Unfortunately, some families remain unable to access this life-saving medication due to insurance hurdles.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. Most of the patients with CF are diagnosed early in life, some as early as within the first years of life. CF is a life-threatening condition, as it progressively gets worse over time. Patients are at an increased risk of infection and over time, the scarring and damage to the lungs can become irreversible.
Trikafta, a complex medication, was recently developed to treat the underlying cause of CF. It is claimed to result in significant benefits to those with the disease, such as improved breathing and reduced risk of exacerbations.
Therefore, many patients with CF deserve to have access to Trikafta. Unfortunately, despite its clinical efficacy, some families are unable to obtain the drug due to insurance restrictions. The drug is quite expensive, and its high price tag has meant that insurance companies may not cover the cost of it, potentially prohibiting some eligible patients from gaining access to the necessary medication.
Access to Trikafta should not be limited due to high cost, when there is evidence of its efficacy and numerous success stories. The prescriptions may be expensive to cover for insurance companies, but for CF patients and their families, failing to secure Trikafta may mean the difference between life and death.
In conclusion, it is important that access to Trikafta is not limited due to costly insurance restrictions. It is vital that CF patients have the opportunity to access this life-changing medication, in order to have a chance at a healthier and longer life.