NOVA SCOTIA HONOURS COMMITMENT TO FUND CYSTIC FIBROSIS DRUG TRIKAFTA
TORONTO, November 18, 2021– Today, Nova Scotia has become the final province in Canada to confirm public funding of the life changing cystic fibrosis (CF) drug, Trikafta. The government of Nova Scotia had previously indicated in October 2021, that it was in negotiations with the manufacturer and intended to fund the drug. Today’s announcement brings that promise to fruition with the confirmation that Trikafta has been added to the Nova Scotia public drug formulary, effective today.
The press release shared by the Nova Scotia government confirmed they will follow the 90% lung function access criterion recommended by CADTH but will consider on a case-by-case basis people who do not meet the lung function criterion.
“Today is truly a life changing day for many people impacted by cystic fibrosis in Nova Scotia.” said Anne Marie Drake, CF mother. “Trikafta targets the root cause of cystic fibrosis and helps break the cycle of infection and deteriorating lung function. Our son calls this drug a “dream come true”. We are forever grateful to the CF community for their efforts in making this day a reality. While this is an exciting day, we look forward to the day when every Canadian who needs Trikafta can access it.”
Cystic Fibrosis Canada is happy for this announcement from Nova Scotia and encourages all jurisdictions to follow the guidelines on modulator use in Canada and empower cystic fibrosis clinicians to prescribe?Trikafta?to anyone who falls under Health Canada’s indication.
Every province and two territories have now either committed to or is already paying for Trikafta for eligible people with cystic fibrosis. The Nunavut government has yet to confirm when public funding of this transformational drug will begin for eligible people living with cystic fibrosis in the territory.
“The cystic fibrosis community in Nova Scotia has fought long and hard to get this drug into their hands.” said Kelly Grover, President and CEO, Cystic Fibrosis Canada. “Access to Trikafta will mean longer and healthier lives for many people and the ability to plan for a future that many feared they might not live to see.”
While Trikafta has moved through the approval process at a rapid rate, a funding announcement does not necessarily mean coverage for those who need it. Many Canadians are still encountering challenges in accessing the drug. Cystic Fibrosis Canada will continue to push until all who can benefit from Trikafta have access.
Members of the Canadian cystic fibrosis community are invited to join Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s bi-weekly #TrikaftaToday Briefing on Wednesday, November 24th at 2pm AST/ 1pm EST / 12pm CST / 10am PT, to discuss this latest news and next steps for access.
For CF advocacy news, subscribe to Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s advocacy e-newsletter "The Advocacy Brief".
About cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting 4,344 Canadian children and young adults. There is no cure. Of the Canadians with cystic fibrosis who died in the past three years, half were under the age of 34. Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, degenerative multi-system disease that affects mainly the lungs and digestive system. In the lungs, where the effects are most devastating, a build-up of thick mucus causes severe respiratory problems. Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. In addition to the physical effects of the disease, mental health concerns are emerging; anxiety and depression are common among this population. Double lung transplants are the final option for patients with end-stage disease; most fatalities of people with CF are due to lung disease.
About Cystic Fibrosis Canada?
Cystic Fibrosis Canada has dramatically changed the cystic fibrosis story. We have advanced research and care that has more than doubled life expectancy. Since being founded by parents in 1960, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has grown into a leading organization with a central role engaging people living with cystic fibrosis, parents and caregivers, volunteers, researchers and healthcare professionals, government and donors. We work together to change lives for the 4,344 Canadian children and adults living with cystic fibrosis through treatments, research, information and support. Despite our remarkable progress together, we are not yet done. Not when half of the Canadians with cystic fibrosis who died in the past three years were under the age of 34. We will keep pushing, keep going further until all people with cystic fibrosis can and do experience everything life has to offer —and enjoy everything life has to offer.
For more information, please contact:
Cateryne Rhéaume, National Bilingual Communications and Marketing Associate?
Tel: 438 868-4451
Email: crheaume@fibrosekystique.ca
Jenny Wood, Associate
Tel: 437-983-3733
Email: jwood@cysticfibrosis.ca
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