Fact Sheet

Trikafta is a life-saving, game changing medication that helps 90% of the CF community. This triple combination medication is 3-5X better than the previous medications Orkambi & Symdeko, giving people better health with years added to their life expectancy.

Trikafta helps the most common type of CF, the F508del mutation. 2200 people are waiting for access. 

Trikafta was developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Studies have showed increased lung function, reduced exacerbations and fewer hospitalisations. Trikafta helps people go back to school, work, have a family and live a longer, healthier life.

Trikafta was deferred at the March and May PBAC meetings. It received a partial positive recommendation in July (for 400 people, those with an F508del & minimal function mutation). It was resubmitted to the PBAC for the December meeting for all eligible (2200) people waiting for access where it was recommended, although the recommendation mentions a lower price being needed, meaning further negotiations between the Health Department and Vertex.

Price $277,875AUD – the high price has led to it being discussed at 4 PBAC meetings so far, and has placed it out of reach for those with CF. 

The recent Federal Parliament petition received 35,000 signatures, showing very strong community support for Trikafta and a faster system in terms of medicine access. 

Currently approved in 25+ countries 

Currently half of people with CF pass away by age 30 in Australia – this is why we need urgent access.