Cystic fibrosis patients across the region have welcomed the announcement that they will be offered two groundbreaking drugs from the start of next month.

Minister Simon Harris confirmed yesterday evening that the HSE has reached agreement, in principle, with the drug company Vertex Pharmaceuticals for the drug Orkambi to be provided to people with CF aged 12 years and older, and for Kalydeco to be provided for children aged between 2 and 5  years.

However, it’s emerged that the price for Orkambi has to remain confidential.

The drug was initially rejected as too expensive, after Vertex demanded over 159,000 euro per person per year.

News that the two drugs will be made available from 1^st May has been welcomed by Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, which has mounted a long-running campaign.

Caroline Heffernan from Tuam, a CF sufferer and Patient Advocate, says it’s like birthdays and Christmas coming together….