A MEMBER of the Senedd has welcomed the latest announcement on life-transforming Cystic Fibrosis drugs

The Welsh Government has confirmed it is working with Vertex Pharmaceuticals to enable Cystic Fibrosis patients in Wales to access ‘triple therapy’ drugs.

Jack Sargeant, MS for Alyn and Deeside has been campaigning alongside the Cystic Fibrosis Trust for lifesaving medication to be made available through the NHS in Wales.

Last week, Welsh Government Minister for Health and Social Care Vaughan Gething MS announced that patients with Cystic Fibrosis in Wales will be able to access Vertex’s triple therapy later this year. The treatment has been called ‘life-transforming’ as it tackles the underlying causes of the disease, by helping the lungs work effectively.

Since December last year, patients in Wales have been able to access several new Cystic Fibrosis medications as a result of agreements reached between NHS Wales and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The deal was reached following increased pressure from Mr Sargeant who publicly called on the Minister to ensure patients in Wales were granted the same access to life saving medication as those in England.

The latest announcement means patients in Wales will continue to be able to access the same medication as those in England and will help transform the lives of many people with Cystic Fibrosis.

Jack Sargeant MS said, “I welcome the Welsh Government announcement that further Cystic Fibrosis medication will be made available. I was right to push the Minister on this matter I will continue to stand up for patients in Alyn and Deeside and across Wales.

“They deserve the best possible treatment in order to improve their quality of life. No matter who it is making the decisions I will ensure the voices of patients and their families are heard loud and clear.”