The National Health Service (NHS) in England has finally approved Vertex's Orkambi to treat people with cystic fibrosis, after four years of deadlock over the price tag.
Around 5,000 patients – some as young as two - are expected to start treatment within the next 30 days.
Orkambi is already available in other countries including Italy, Sweden, Spain, Germany and the US. The drug was approved four years ago but Vertex set a price tag of more than £100,000 ($128,500) per patient per year, which NHS England refused, saying it was unaffordable.
Under the deal struck with the NHS — of which the terms are confidential — English patients will have full access to three cystic fibrosis treatments: Orkambi, Symkevi and Kalydeco.
Read the press release