We are delighted to announce that, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), has today recommended Trikafta for children aged 6-11 years old who have at least one F508del mutation in the CFTR gene.
Whilst this is an important first step and the news, we were all waiting for, we are concerned that PBAC has not granted a facilitated (priority) pathway to its recommendation, as they did with patients 12+, which could delay access to the important medication.
Now, the recommendation heads to the Federal Government for review and for a decision as to when it will be added to the PBS.
However, without the priority pathway, we will need our community to work with us once again, to make our voices to Government loud, and ensure that it is listed on the PBS at the very first opportunity.
The sooner Trikafta is available, the sooner the benefits can be realised, including reduction in infection, reduced hospitalisation, and the opportunity for a better quality of life.
Thank you to every one of you who campaigned to make this happen. This was truly a grassroots effort with so many of you passionately advocating online, submitting responses to PBAC and speaking to your local members of parliament. This was heard very loudly and together we are supporting Aussies with CF to have abundant lives.
We will share more information in the new year on how you can support the advocacy efforts to ensure Trikafta for 6-11 years is added to the PBS as soon as possible.
Today we can celebrate this great news, but we remain resolute to keep moving forward for all people with CF.
What is Trikafta®?
Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor, or Trikafta®, is a type of medication known as a CFTR modulator. CFTR modulators work differently to other medications for CF. They work by correcting the malfunctioning protein that causes CF. In doing so, these medications directly address the cause of CF, rather than just the symptoms. They are not a cure, but they help the body’s cells to function more normally.
READ MORE ABOUT CFTR MODULATORS