NHS Rolls Out New Triple Therapy for Hundreds with Cystic Fibrosis

NHS England has announced the rollout of a new triple-combination therapy, Alyftrek® (vanzacaftor–tezacaftor–deutivacaftor), for hundreds of children and adults with cystic fibrosis, including those with rare forms of the disease who were previously ineligible for modulator treatments. Approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Alyftrek is shown to be as effective as the existing treatment Kaftrio® in improving lung function and quality of life by addressing the underlying protein defect caused by the F508del mutation. The treatment, administered as a once-daily pill, allows patients to manage symptoms more independently and reduces hospital visits. NHS England secured a commercial agreement with manufacturer Vertex to extend access to this therapy beyond the patient groups NICE initially considered, potentially benefiting around 95% of cystic fibrosis patients in England. Clinical trials have demonstrated Alyftrek's safety and effectiveness for patients aged six and over, marking a significant advancement in cystic fibrosis care. Health officials describe this development as a transformative step that could improve life expectancy and day-to-day living for many individuals with cystic fibrosis.