P.E.I. expanding coverage for cystic fibrosis drug Trikafta to children over six
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — P.E.I. is increasing its protection of cystic fibrosis drug Trikafta to eligible kids over the age of six.
The province first started protecting the price of Trikafta for youngsters over 12 within the fall of 2021.
In a information launch Thursday, the provincial Division of Well being and Wellness introduced it might lengthen the protection program to kids aged six and older.
Well being Canada authorised the usage of Trikafta to deal with kids with cystic fibrosis between six and 11 in April.
In July, the Canadian Company for Medicine and Applied sciences in Well being beneficial provinces cowl the drug for youngsters below 12.
Trikafta might price sufferers as a lot as $300,000 per yr and not using a protection program.
The company additionally beneficial eradicating among the qualifying standards for the drug to make it out there to extra sufferers with cystic fibrosis.
Quickly after, the provincial well being division additionally applied these suggestions.
Cystic fibrosis is a uncommon and progressive genetic illness that impacts kids and adults.
The illness causes thick mucus to construct up within the lungs, digestive tract and different physique components, leading to persistent lung infections and the lack of lung operate.
There is no such thing as a remedy for cystic fibrosis, and it’s estimated that one in each 3,600 kids born in Canada has the illness, together with 190 in Nova Scotia. Trikafta can be utilized to deal with about 90 per cent of cystic fibrosis sufferers.
“We’re happy to increase protection to sufferers six years of age and older to assist younger Islanders get pleasure from more healthy lives whereas residing with cystic fibrosis,” stated Well being Minister Ernie Hudson.
