A Bonhill mum whose daughter has cystic fibrosis says her life will be transformed thanks to a miracle drug which could be available within months.
Maggie Gallacher, who has fought tirelessly for life-changing drugs to be made accessible, has told of her joy following a huge step forward last week.
Kaftrio has been trialled for drug firm Vertex and NHS England is looking to prescribe it as soon as the European Commission grants a licence.
It is understood the Scottish Government is also close to finalising a deal for Kaftrio.
Health experts say nine in 10 people with the genetic condition could benefit from the three-drug combination, with Maggie saying it will be a game-changer for daughter Kelli.
Maggie, chair of the CF campaign group Quest For A Cure, said: “We are absolutely delighted for the whole cystic fibrosis community.
“We don’t have a confirmed deal yet but we have had lots of support from the Scottish Government and are feeling very hopeful.
“Kelli is in the 90 per cent who would benefit so it would be a game-changer.
“Until she gets the drug, we won’t know exactly how but the trial results show improved lung function, less infections, less time needing treatments, so more time leading a normal life.
“Life expectancy also becomes normal. For a young person with no lung damage, cystic fibrosis will become a condition they live with rather than a condition they die from.”
Cystic fibrosis can affect individuals differently, but the symptoms are caused by a build-up of thick sticky mucus in the lungs, digestive system and other organs.
The therapy combines three drugs - ivacaftor, tezacaftor and elexacaftor - to tackle the underlying causes of the disease, by helping the lungs work effectively.
Maggie and Kelli were instrumental in securing drugs Orkambi and Symkevi in 2018 following a long-fought campaign.
She said lessons were learnt during that fight in getting to this latest stage and believes the Covid-19 pandemic has also hurried the latest development.
She continued: “I think the coronavirus crisis has accelerated the process because we know cystic fibrosis patients are extremely vulnerable to it.
“We haven’t needed to go through the campaigning like we did before so I definitely believe lessons have been learned.”
The news is a huge boost for Maggie and Kelli, who had to cancel their annual Big Night Oot for CF in November due to the virus pandemic.
Maggie added: “We were really disappointed to cancel it but it was necessary and we will come back bigger and better than before next year.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We are very pleased that NHS England has negotiated a pricing deal on this medicine, which they have led on as part of a four nations approach.
“The full details of an equivalent arrangement for NHS Scotland are currently being finalised.
“We are aiming to provide an update imminently as we understand the positive impact that Kaftrio will bring the cystic fibrosis community across Scotland.”
