Minister should support CF Awareness Week by approving Orkambi drug for patients – O’Brien

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Fingal Darragh O’Brien has called on the Minister for Health to approve the revolutionary drug Orkambi for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis to patients, saying it would be ‘fitting’ given that it is National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week.

Deputy O’Brien, who has been campaigning for the drug to be approved since October 2015 commented, “This drug was approved by the EU Medicines Agency over 6 months ago. This is a ground-breaking drug for CF sufferers that has been shown in America to extend life expectancy and improve quality of life for those who suffer from cystic fibrosis. 

“I called for the Minister Varadkar to approve this drug and to give a timeframe for when it would be on pharmacy shelves many months ago. Tomorrow, April 15th is the main fundraising day for CF Ireland in their calendar. It is the highlight of Cystic Fibrosis Awareness week and I believe it would be fitting for the Minister to approve it, given the week that’s in it. I am writing to the Minister to urge him to do so.

“Cystic fibrosis is a very debilitating condition and anything that can be brought forward to improve people’s quality of life and extend life expectancy should be made available immediately.

“I am also calling on everyone to go out and show their support for 65 Roses Day by buying a rose in shops and shopping centres tomorrow, or texting ’65ROSES’ to 50300 to make a quick €2 donation. This most worthwhile campaign by CF Ireland aims to raise €65,000 nationally for CF treatment, research and supports.”
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