Pharmac has initiated a public consultation regarding a proposal to expand funding for cystic fibrosis treatments, including Trikafta and Alyftrek, for children of all ages. Associate Health Minister David Seymour has welcomed the public consultation.
The proposal, if approved following positive feedback, is scheduled to become effective from April 1, 2026.
Key components of the proposal include:
- Wider access to Trikafta for all children with an eligible diagnosis, removing the current age restriction (previously funded only for children 6 years and older).
- Funding for Kalydeco for all individuals with an eligible diagnosis.
- Funding for a new treatment, Alyftrek.
Associate Health Minister David Seymour stated that the proposal has significant support from the cystic fibrosis community. He noted that if approved, Trikafta and Alyftrek would be funded for all age groups, allowing doctors to use their clinical judgment for prescriptions. Seymour emphasized that these treatments are considered 'lifechanging' for patients and their families, providing access as soon as clinically appropriate, which is crucial given that cystic fibrosis can cause harm early in life.
In 2023, Pharmac funded Trikafta for children with cystic fibrosis aged 6 years or older, which excluded younger children. This expanded access is attributed to Pharmac's commitment to working with the cystic fibrosis community.
Pharmac is currently seeking feedback from people with cystic fibrosis, their families, healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and other interested parties. The consultation period concludes at 5 PM on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.