A "BONAFIDE miracle drug" that could "transform" the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis could cost families more than $300,000 a year unless it is added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Hunter musician Mark Wells says.
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Mr Wells, who has cystic fibrosis (CF), said a "game-changing medicine" called Trikafta had been officially recommended by the Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee - but it would not be affordable or accessible unless it was added to the PBS. He had seen, and felt, the effectiveness of the drug first hand having accessed the medicine via a research trial for the past three years.
It had allowed his lungs to function a "hell of a lot closer to normal", and had kept him out of hospital.
This year, he had been able to complete his first triathlon - an achievement he never thought possible because of the condition.
"It was one of the proudest days of my life. I was pinching myself," he said.
Mr Wells wasn't expected to live beyond his teens when he was diagnosed with CF. But progressions in the research and development of treatments and medications had gradually improved in that time.
"Finally, this game-changer is here. And it really is a game-changer," he said.
"Trikafta needs to be available in Australia for families affected by CF like mine."
He has been encouraging people to sign a parliamentary petition to expedite its listing on the PBS so it that could help improve and save the lives of people living with the condition sooner.
More than 50,000 people have signed the petition.
Sign it here before it closes at midnight.
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