The Manitoba government has expanded coverage for the cystic fibrosis medication Trikafta to patients aged six and older, Health Minister Audrey Gordon announced Wednesday (Aug 17).
“Our government is committed to strengthening healthcare by ensuring Manitobans have access to high-quality, transformative medications that help to manage their illness and greatly improve their quality of life,” said Gordon. “Trikafta has been shown to significantly improve the quality of life for people with cystic fibrosis, and we know this will give new hope to children and their families. Expanding coverage to younger people will ensure they can access this transformative medication and live their lives to the fullest for years to come.”
Health Canada approved Trikafta to treat children aged six to 11 in April. The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health issued a revised recommendation last month to include patients six years and older who meet the medical criteria.
According to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Registry, there were more than 4,300 people with cystic fibrosis in Canada in 2020 and about 130 of them live in Manitoba. The minister encouraged parents and caregivers of children with cystic fibrosis who may benefit from Trikafta to speak with their health-care provider.
“Today’s news will change the trajectory of the disease and the future for many children in Manitoba who live with cystic fibrosis,” said Kelly Grover, president and CEO, Cystic Fibrosis Canada. “Last year, Manitoba funded the drug for those 12 and older and today has continued to recognize Trikafta’s extraordinary, transformative value by expanding coverage of Trikafta to include children ages six to 11 years old. We celebrate this news alongside our CF community in Manitoba, who has worked tirelessly for this day.”
Trikafta was added to the provincial formulary for patients aged 12 and older in October 2021. Trikafta is a treatment for cystic fibrosis and helps people better manage their illness. It’s a triple combination drug that is used not just for treating symptoms but also targets the basic defect from specific genetic mutations that cause cystic fibrosis. Through Manitoba’s participation in the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA), Manitoba is now able to provide access to this transformational treatment, the minister said.
The Manitoba Pharmacare Program is a drug benefit program for eligible Manitobans, regardless of disease or age, whose income is seriously affected by high prescription drug costs. Pharmacare coverage is based on both the total family income and the amount paid for eligible prescription drugs.
For more information on Manitoba Pharmacare Program, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/pharmacare/
