What is 'Yes To Trikafta' about?
Half of people with Cystic Fibrosis currently die by their mid 30s. Prompt access to life-saving medications such as Trikafta can add years, potentially decades to life expectancy.
Trikafta is a breakthrough medicine that is the next generation of CF modulator, treating the underlying defect of the most common type of CF, the F508del mutation.
Trikafta was developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Studies have showed increased lung function, reduced exacerbations and fewer hospitalisations. These outcomes result in a longer, healthier life for a person with CF and reduced burden on the Australian healthcare system.
Those with CF aged 12 and older can now access this lifesaving drug and lives have been changed.
Now we fight for those under 12 to have access as early as possible, preventing damage to
their organs and decreasing the debilitating effects of this illness.
There are more than 500 Australians aged 6-11 who could get a lifelong benefit from Trikafta…
but until it gets listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and becomes a subsidised treatment, $277,875 per year is out of reach for almost all of these families.
But this is not just about Trikafta. We're also advocating for a systemic change to speed up the medication approval processes. This could allow things like a portfolio agreement for future medications and younger age groups, allowing faster access following a PBAC recommendation.
We need our government to value the importance of these new medications and to change the system so we can access them much faster. Our lives depend on it.
YesToTrikafta is a CF Pipeline Campaign, run by parents and people with CF. Please send us a
facebook message if you would like to be involved.