Home / Health / Yukon eyes new cystic fibrosis drug Alyftrek
Yukon eyes new cystic fibrosis drug Alyftrek
21 Jul
Summary
- Yukon government is reviewing Alyftrek for cystic fibrosis patients.
- Alyftrek offers one daily pill with fewer side effects than current options.
- The drug's annual cost is approximately $350,000 without government funding.
The Yukon government is currently reviewing Alyftrek, a new medication aimed at treating cystic fibrosis. This genetic disease causes thick mucus buildup, potentially leading to severe organ damage if left untreated.
Advocates, including Amy Labonte, president of Cystic Fibrosis Yukon, are pushing for Alyftrek's inclusion in the territory's drug formulary. Labonte highlights Alyftrek's advantage over Trikafta, another covered drug, as it requires only one pill daily and has fewer associated side effects. She also stresses the need for multiple drug options to cater to diverse genetic profiles.
The annual cost of Alyftrek is estimated at $350,000, making government funding essential for patients' access. The Department of Health and Social Services confirmed that a product listing agreement with the manufacturer is underway, a necessary step before Alyftrek can be officially added to the formulary following approvals from Health Canada and national drug agencies.
