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Orkambi and Symkevi, two cutting edge Cystic Fibrosis Drugs, will now be available to people in Guernsey, after HSC managed to secure a new deal.
The deal struck is similar to that secured in England in October this year.
Announcing the news, Deputy Heidi Soulsby, Health & Social Care President, said: "We are absolutely delighted that the deal secured in England is being extended to the Bailiwick. As soon as the existence of the NHS England deal became public knowledge, officers in Guernsey have been in contact with Vertex, the manufacturers of the drug, to identify the terms of the deal and the potential for it to be extended to the Bailiwick. Vertex have been very helpful, and an agreement has been reached, the terms of which are subject to a confidentiality agreement."
Pictured: Clinical trials have proven these two new drugs can make significant improvements in patients.
Orkambi is a precision medicine licensed for use in people with cystic fibrosis over the age of two. This is different from the conventional CF treatments which target the symptoms that a person has by having the clinical condition of CF. In contrast Orkambi targets the genetic defect.
Symkevi is another of the precision treatments for CF which may be used in people aged 12 years and older.
Deputy Soulsby added: "Discussions are ongoing with Vertex in respect of practical arrangements and both parties are keen that the drugs be made available to patients as soon as possible. We are also working hard with colleagues in the States of Guernsey to identify the most appropriate funding source.
"The availability of this drug locally will improve the lives of people living with CF. This is part of our commitment, as outlined in the Partnership of Purpose to continually strive to improve the health and wellbeing of islanders.”
Pictured top: Deputy Heidi Soulsby.
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