Sasko: Innovative Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Could Be Available as of January

Bratislava, 26 August (TASR) - The Health Ministry has signed a contract with the marketing authorisation holder for innovative cystic fibrosis treatment, and, if approved by the Categorisation Board, the treatment could be available to all patients as of 1 January of next year, Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) announced on Tuesday. "After months of intense negotiations, we've managed to reach an agreement with the marketing authorisation holder for molecules, bringing a great deal of hope for cystic fibrosis patients from as early as two years of age. We're one step closer to more effective cystic fibrosis treatment in Slovakia," said Sasko, adding that the Categorisation Board, as the next step in the legal procedure, is expected to meet in early October. Depending on the Board's decision, innovative cystic fibrosis treatment could be covered by public health insurance for all patients as of January. "This would mean that children and adults suffering from cystic fibrosis, who have been waiting for this hope for years, could finally receive the treatment," noted Sasko. Earlier this year, the Cystic Fibrosis Club warned about an ongoing lack of access to modern cystic fibrosis therapy. Its representatives called on the competent authorities to provide full coverage from public health insurance for drugs called Kaftrio and Kalydeco for all patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, emphasising that this causal therapy demonstrably slows down the disease's progression and can save patients' lives. jrg/df