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13/11/2019
CF Drugs To Be Available Within Weeks
Clinicians will begin prescribing life-changing drugs to local Cystic Fibrosis patients in a matter of weeks, the Department of Health has confirmed.
Orkambi, Symkevi and Kalydeco will be made available through a deal with manufacturer Vertex Pharmaceuticals which follows similar arrangements in England and Scotland.
DoH Permanent Secretary Richard Pengelly said pricing arrangements for the drugs will be finalised and signed off in the near future.
Providing an update to patients, the health chief said: "Arrangements are being put in place to ensure clinicians will be able to begin prescribing the drugs to the first eligible patients within the next few weeks. It is estimated that in excess of 270 patients will be eligible for the new drugs under the agreement."
(JG/CM)
Orkambi, Symkevi and Kalydeco will be made available through a deal with manufacturer Vertex Pharmaceuticals which follows similar arrangements in England and Scotland.
DoH Permanent Secretary Richard Pengelly said pricing arrangements for the drugs will be finalised and signed off in the near future.
Providing an update to patients, the health chief said: "Arrangements are being put in place to ensure clinicians will be able to begin prescribing the drugs to the first eligible patients within the next few weeks. It is estimated that in excess of 270 patients will be eligible for the new drugs under the agreement."
(JG/CM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
