Pharmaceutical company says it is committed to getting cystic fibrosis drug free

That was the message from Vertex Pharmaceuticals who produce life-changing drug Orkambi.

In a statement shared with the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, the firm said they have unwavering commitment to continue their negotiations with NHS England.

It comes after campaigns, led by Portsmouth mums Michelle Frank and Gemma Weir, have been calling for the drug to be free on the NHS.

Currently, it is deemed too expensive at £104,000 per patient, per year.

Vertex said in their statement: '˜Please know that we share your urgency to ensure patients in the UK have access to our cystic fibrosis medicines as quickly as possible.

'˜Over the last three years we have made numerous attempts to work with NHS England to find a solution that provides people with cystic fibrosis in the UK rapid access to our approved and future medicines.'

They added they have reached out to prime minister Theresa May about the issue.

As previously reported, NHS England said Vertex's negotiated price was something they could not accept

Meanwhile families have spoken of their anger at the delays.

 

We have been deeply moved by the CF community's engagement in this issue, and are hopeful that we can urge the government to continue negotiations and work towards a swift resolution. '‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹