Drug decision may ‘pave way’

David Clark
David Clark
A funding announcement for a drug that will help dozens of cystic fibrosis sufferers could pave the way for future boosts, a Dunedin campaigner says.

Pharmac yesterday announced it had struck a provisional deal to fund Kalydeco, a medicine that is set to improve the quality of life for about 30 New Zealanders with cystic fibrosis.

The announcement was welcomed by Health Minister David Clark, who said he was delighted by the news.

It has also been welcomed by a Dunedin cystic fibrosis campaigner, although he said it was just one part of a bigger issue.

Dunedin man Julian Cox, along with his wife, Camilla, recently cycled from Dunedin to Wellington, towing a coffin behind their tandem bike, in a protest calling for government drug-buying agency Pharmac’s yearly $1 billion budget to be doubled.

The trip was sparked by their daughter Rachael (19), who has cystic fibrosis and who under Pharmac’s funding cannot access life-prolonging drugs available in other countries.

While Kalydeco would not help Rachael, Mr Cox said he was "absolutely thrilled" for those it would help.

"It came out of the blue, was totally unexpected and will, hopefully, pave the way for these other drugs."

But he was frustrated with Pharmac’s "piecemeal approach".

"We still need the reform that we’re calling for."

daisy.hudson@odt.co.nz


 

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