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It is a treatment considered a revolution for patients with cystic fibrosis. The Kaftrio, authorized so far for those over twelve years old, is now generalized to children between 6 and 11 years old, announced the Minister of Health François Braun on Saturday December 17. “A real step forward in the care of patients” welcomes the vice-president of the association Vaincre la Mucoviscidose, Dr Pierre Foucaud.
“Kaftrio is the most successful drug at present for patients with cystic fibrosis“explains first of all Dr. Pierre Foucaud, vice-president of the association Vaincre la Mucoviscidose (VLM).So obviously, we welcome this advance announced by the Minister of Health François Braun, which will make it possible to prescribe the drug to children aged 6 to 11.“.
Kaftrio, an innovative drug against cystic fibrosis
In making this announcement, the Minister of Health is full of praise for this treatment. “The results are extraordinary, they allow an almost ordinary life“, assures François Braun, evoking the drug with our colleagues from the Sunday newspaper.
“It is a treatment for which a majority of patients respond, they have a real improvement in their respiratory symptoms. About 83% of French patients are eligible for itconfirms Dr. Foucaud.In addition, everything suggests that the earlier the treatment is taken, the more it affects the patient’s life expectancy.“. Crucial data when we know that in cystic fibrosis, the average age at death is 34 years.
Simple pills to take
A combination of three molecules, this triple therapy is capable of reducing the pulmonary impact of the disease and could potentially transform cystic fibrosis into a chronic disease. “We do not yet have enough perspective, but we are already noting that the number of courses of antibiotics and lung transplants have dropped” assures Dr. Foucaud
In addition to its effectiveness, Kaftrio, produced by the Vertex laboratory, is an easy-to-take treatment. “Two tablets in the morning and one in the evening” adds the vice president of the VLM association. Far from complicated treatments (aerosols, etc.) and physiotherapy to which patients must submit on a daily basis. “On average, caring for the sick counts for one to two hours a day” he further details.
“A beautiful Christmas present”
“The decree is ready and should be published in the coming days”, says François Braun. According to Pierre Foucaud, the Kaftrio will therefore be available a few days after publication in the Official Journal. “Only problem” does he qualify, however, “the marketing authorization for the European Union dates from January 11, 2022, it will have taken almost a year for it to be recorded in France. If the French authorities could follow the example of our German neighbors, where it has been effective a month later, that would be good… But it remains a great gift for the children concerned” concludes the doctor.