Vaughan Gething, Minister for Health and Social Services
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
In my written statement of 13 November I confirmed I had approved in principle the terms of an agreement to enable patients in Wales to access the cystic fibrosis medicines (CF) Orkambi® and Symkevi® and to maintain access to Kalydeco® where these medicines are clinically appropriate.
I stated my expectation that, in the interests of Welsh patients, the detailed agreement between NHS Wales and Vertex Pharmaceuticals should be finalised before the end of November. I am very pleased to confirm today this has been achieved.
Clinicians will now be able to begin prescribing these drugs and I expect NHS CF services to determine how best to prioritise patients. We are working with NHS Wales to put arrangements in place to enable access to treatment for the highest priority patients to begin in December. All eligible patients will be offered treatment from 2020.