News
12 March 2013
Some press and news links below regarding a breakthrough Cystic Fibrosis drug which has been made available
Listen again: Professor Stuart Elborn explains how a new drug, trialled at Queen’s, will transform the lives of people living with Cystic Fibrosis. Click here to listen to the interview on Good Morning Ulster (scroll to 57mins 30 secs)
A new drug which will benefit Cystic Fibrosis (CF) sufferers with the ‘Celtic Gene’ has been approved for use.
The drug Ivacaftor (also known Kalydeco), will be made available where appropriate, to patients who have the G551D genetic mutation also known as the ‘Celtic Gene’, which is particularly common in Ireland.
Speaking about the new drug, the Health Minister Edwin Poots said: “The drug Ivacaftor is a significant breakthrough, not only for those with the ‘Celtic Gene’, but also for all other CF sufferers, as it indicates that the basic defect in CF can be treated. This is the first drug aimed at the basic defect in CF to show an effect.
“The study found significant improvement in lung function, quality of life and a reduction in disease flare-up for those receiving the new drug treatment. This is an extremely positive decision which means that eligible patients here will, in common with their counterparts elsewhere in the UK, be able to gain access to Ivacaftor.”
There are about 500 people living with CF in Northern Ireland and about 7% of them carry the G551D mutation. CF affects the cells that secrete mucus in the lungs and those that secrete digestive juices in the gut and pancreas, causing these secretions to become thick and cause long term problems. Ivacaftor is the first in a new class of medicines and targets the underlying cause of CF rather than simply treating its symptoms.
Professor Stuart Elborn, Director of Queen’s University Belfast’s Centre for Infection and Immunity, led the original trial for the drug. Commenting on the Minister’s announcement today, he said: “We led an international team on this study which involved colleagues at Queen’s, the University of Ulster, the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and researchers in Europe, USA and Australia, but what the success of this study also illustrates are the benefits that come from collaborative work here in Northern Ireland and the impact of Queen’s research.
“Not only will this breakthrough help patients in Ireland and the UK but it has the potential to change the lives for those with Cystic Fibrosis around the world.”