CYSTIC fibrosis is the most common life-threatening recessive genetic condition affecting young people in Australia.
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Now, children aged two to five have immediate free access to a life-changing drug.
Kalydeco is a drug that addresses the causes of cystic fibrosis rather than the symptoms.
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said that previously only children aged six and over had subsidised access to the drug.
“Expanding access to this vital drug is fantastic news for Australian families,” he said.
“We know that many parents have been worried about how their young son or daughter could get access to this life-changing drug – now they have it.”
Without government subsidy the treatment can cost patients $300,000 per year.
Kalydeco will be formally added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme on May 1, but the manufacturer, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, has agreed to provide the drug for free to children aged two to five.
