Coverage for the cystic fibrosis drug Trikafta will be expanded on February 1st to include two- to five-year-olds who meet the medical criteria. Cystic Fibrosis Canada President and CEO Kelly Grover says, “While not a cure, starting young children with cystic fibrosis on modulator therapy as early as possible could protect their health and prevent significant structural lung damage from occurring – we celebrate this news alongside our CF community in Saskatchewan, who has worked tirelessly for this day.”
In 2021 coverage for patients 12 and older began in Saskatchewan and then in 2022, coverage for Trikafta, which improves lung function, was expanded to include six to 12 year olds.
Patients with CF or parents/guardians of children with CF who think they may benefit from therapy with Trikafta are encouraged to speak with their physician. Coverage is also available in Saskatchewan for two other CF medications which target specific genetic mutations of the disease: Orkambi and Kalydeco. Coverage of Orkambi was expanded in July 2021 for patients two years of age and older who meet certain medical criteria. Kalydeco has been listed on the Saskatchewan Formulary since 2014.
According to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Registry, there are more than 4,300 CF patients in Canada and approximately 125 patients in Saskatchewan.