People living with cystic fibrosis in Saskatchewan could have expanded access to medicines.
Recently, the Government of Saskatchewan deemed it appropriate to provide broader access to Trikafta. This drug is well proven to improve lung function and is currently being offered to my 2 year old to her 5 year old CF.
These children must meet certain medical criteria before being approved, but we expect it to make a big difference for those who do. Currently, there are only about five children in that age group in the state suffering from CF.
Everett Hindley, MLA and Minister of Health for Swift Current, Saskatchewan, believes this is a strong move in the fight against the disease in the province.
Swift Current MLA Everett Hindley stops for a photo while walking his dog Tommy. (Photo courtesy of Hayden Michaels)
Swift Current MLA Everett Hindley stops for a photo while walking his dog Tommy. (Photo by Hayden Michaels)
“It has been shown to improve and have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life,” Hindley said. “That’s why we think it’s important to continue to expand our coverage.”
This drug had previously proven to be very effective in children aged 6 to 12 years, but it came at a huge cost. Hindley revealed that Trikafta costs $300,000 a year. It’s not often in Canada’s medical field that the total cost of drugs reaches his six figures.
In fact, the drug cost the state about $20 million in the last budget cycle. This was within the scope of the drug plan in the existing insurance coverage. The reason the state spent so much money on such a small number of patients is because the drug is so effective.
“This has been shown through research to be very effective,” Hindley said. “That’s why we support reporting at this time.”
There are approximately 4,300 people with CF in Canada. Of those, 125 live within Saskatchewan. Hindley hopes that continued prescribing and expansion of Trikafta will reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for these people while treatments are researched.
