‘The risk of having to sell our family home is gone’: Joy at drug move

Australians living with the debilitating disease cystic fibrosis will soon have access to a new treatment on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

From April 1, new drug Trikafta will be available for the first time for Australians aged 12 years and older with cystic fibrosis.

“Without PBS subsidy, around 1900 Australians would pay more than $250,000 a year for access to Trikafta,” Health Minister Greg Hunt said.

“This treatment is out of reach for most Australians, and now that it will be available on the PBS, patients will only pay a maximum of $42.50 per script, or as little as $6.80 with a concession card.”

One in 2500 Australian babies are born with cystic fibrosis and there is currently no cure.

The average life expectancy for Australians with cystic fibrosis is just 47 years — significantly lower than average.

Jess Ragusa is a 27-year-old woman who has been waiting for this day.

“Not only is this changing my life, it’s changing my mum’s as well,” she said.

“The risk of having to sell our family home is gone.”

The life-changing move was recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.