South Africa Sees Breakthrough in Affordable Cystic Fibrosis Treatment
A new generic version of cystic fibrosis treatment is set to become available for the first time, thanks to years of campaigning by patients and their families. The life-saving medicine could change the outlook for millions worldwide.
For 7-year-old Grant Leitch, asking his mother if his little brother Brett would die from cystic fibrosis was a tough question to ask, but one that he had to pose. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes build-up of mucus in lungs and digestive system, making it hard to breathe and leaving patients susceptible to infections.
Brett's situation is dire, as the treatment is currently priced out of reach for many families worldwide. However, with Vertex Pharmaceuticals now selling its revolutionary treatment sold by pharmaceutical company Vertex for $370,000 a year, will be available for as little as $2,000 a year from a generic manufacturer. The price reduction is a result of years of parent-led campaigning.
Cystic fibrosis affects an estimated 190,000 people worldwide and only one in four has received modulator drugs, which allow a normal life expectancy. Researchers have highlighted profound global disparities in diagnosis and treatment access despite the World Health Organization classifying CFTR modulators as essential medicine.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals holds the patent for ETI sold as Trikafta or Kaftrio. The company has faced criticism for its prices and for failing to make the drug available in many countries even where it has registered patents.
In the UK, parent Gayle Pledger had "never even thought about engaging with my MP" but was struck by the unfairness of a treatment that could help her daughter being out of reach because of cost. Now she is a full-time campaigner with Just Treatment.
Pledger's efforts have contributed to a global movement with an effort to get generic drugs into families' hands, dubbed the CF buyers club 2.0. The UK campaign has grown from the initial success in getting a cut-price generic version made in Argentina for Orkambi.
Bangladeshi company Beximco will now make Triko, a generic ETI, available from spring 2026. This could save families thousands of dollars per year.
South African doctors have tested this approach and found it effective. Leitch is one of the parents who have been campaigning for more affordable treatment options.
A new generic version of cystic fibrosis treatment is set to become available for the first time, thanks to years of campaigning by patients and their families. The life-saving medicine could change the outlook for millions worldwide.
For 7-year-old Grant Leitch, asking his mother if his little brother Brett would die from cystic fibrosis was a tough question to ask, but one that he had to pose. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes build-up of mucus in lungs and digestive system, making it hard to breathe and leaving patients susceptible to infections.
Brett's situation is dire, as the treatment is currently priced out of reach for many families worldwide. However, with Vertex Pharmaceuticals now selling its revolutionary treatment sold by pharmaceutical company Vertex for $370,000 a year, will be available for as little as $2,000 a year from a generic manufacturer. The price reduction is a result of years of parent-led campaigning.
Cystic fibrosis affects an estimated 190,000 people worldwide and only one in four has received modulator drugs, which allow a normal life expectancy. Researchers have highlighted profound global disparities in diagnosis and treatment access despite the World Health Organization classifying CFTR modulators as essential medicine.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals holds the patent for ETI sold as Trikafta or Kaftrio. The company has faced criticism for its prices and for failing to make the drug available in many countries even where it has registered patents.
In the UK, parent Gayle Pledger had "never even thought about engaging with my MP" but was struck by the unfairness of a treatment that could help her daughter being out of reach because of cost. Now she is a full-time campaigner with Just Treatment.
Pledger's efforts have contributed to a global movement with an effort to get generic drugs into families' hands, dubbed the CF buyers club 2.0. The UK campaign has grown from the initial success in getting a cut-price generic version made in Argentina for Orkambi.
Bangladeshi company Beximco will now make Triko, a generic ETI, available from spring 2026. This could save families thousands of dollars per year.
South African doctors have tested this approach and found it effective. Leitch is one of the parents who have been campaigning for more affordable treatment options.
i mean dont get me wrong its awesome that ppl r fighting 4 affordable meds but lets not forget about all the families already struggling 2 pay $370k a year and now theyll just be paying $2000? thats still a pretty penny lol, also what if beximco starts makin money off this generic version & then increases prices later on? dont wanna see ppl gettin screwed again 
! A new generic version of cystic fibrosis treatment hitting the market is a huge win for families around the world 
. It's crazy to think that just a few years ago, treatments were priced at $370k a year 
and now we're seeing it go down to just $2k a year 
. South African docs have already tested this approach and it's effective 
. Can't wait to see more generic options become available 
. We need more action from pharma companies to make these treatments accessible to everyone 
. Bring on the change! 
So I was reading about this new generic version of cystic fibrosis treatment that's coming out soon, and I'm like super stoked 
But with this new generic version coming in at just $2k a year, I think we might finally be seeing some hope for families like Grant's and Brett's 
. It's amazing how one family's story can spark a whole global movement, right? 
And it's not just about the money – it's about access to life-saving treatment. The fact that South African doctors have tested this approach and found it effective is a huge win 
. Fingers crossed it works out for everyone who needs it! 
.
. And Beximco making Triko available from spring 2026? That's like, thousands of dollars saved per year for families who need this 
. The CF buyers club 2.0 has been doing some amazing work here, and I'm so hopeful that more countries will follow suit soon 
.
. 7-year-old grant leitch asking his mom about the possibility of his little bro brett dying from this is just heartbreaking 
. can't wait to see more progress on this front 
OMG, can you believe it?! A generic version of cystic fibrosis treatment that's like 90% cheaper than the original price! 
). And kudos to all these parents who've been fighting for years to make this happen - you guys are the real MVPs! 