Saskatchewan gov’t to cover cost of new cystic fibrosis drug

Saskatchewan residents living with cystic fibrosis got some help from the provincial government Friday.

In a media release, the government said it would start providing coverage on Oct. 1 for Trikafta, a new medication that has been shown to improve quality of life for cystic fibrosis patients.

“We know those with cystic fibrosis and their families have waited a long time for this medication,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said in the release. “I’m extremely pleased to announce our government will make it available to eligible patients throughout the province.”

Saskatchewan is part of the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA), which has been negotiating with Vertex Pharmaceuticals regarding the drug. On Sept. 17, the pCPA announced an agreement had been reached on pricing and conditions of coverage for Trikafta.

“Trikafta is the single greatest innovation in cystic fibrosis history and it has the power to transform the lives of thousands of Canadians,” Kim Steele, Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s director of government and community relations, said in the release.

“The CF community in Saskatchewan has fought long and hard to get this drug into their hands. Access to Trikafta will mean longer and healthier lives for so many people, and the ability to plan for a future that many feared they might not live to see.”

The medication has been approved by Health Canada for cystic fibrosis patients 12 years of age and older who have a specific cystic fibrosis genetic mutation.

Patients and families are encouraged to talk with their physician about coverage once Trikafta is listed on the Drug Plan’s Formulary.

Coverage already is available in Saskatchewan for two other CF medications — Orkambi and Kalydeco.