NHS agrees deal for life-changing CF drug

HUNDREDS of children and adults with cystic fibrosis can access the next-generation wonder drug Alyftrek for the first time from today, after NHS England finally agreed a landmark deal.

- By Chris Riches

It will be a life-changing treatment for patients like 11-year-old Kate Farrer, whose mum said it could give her a better quality of life than she already has on recent wonder pill Kaftrio.

Mum Catherine, 41, added: “We are hoping Alyftrek will reduce the need for oral antibiotics and even better still, IVs. An added bonus is that it is a once a day dose. People don’t realise what a burden cystic fibrosis is.”

CF is a life-limiting genetic condition that slowly clogs the lungs with thick mucus, with over 11,000 sufferers in the UK — yet before 2019 the NHS had no effective treatment.

In 2024, after a five-year Daily Express campaign, US drug giant Vertex agreed an NHS deal so the 90% of CF patients suitable for their treatments Orkambi, Symkevi and Kaftrio could access them.