The drug Kaftrio, used to treat cystic fibrosis, will be fully reimbursed from 1 February 2023 for children aged between 6 and 11 years who meet the required conditions, Public Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said on Friday.
This will also apply to the Kalydeco monotherapy for patients from four months of age, according to the minister, who said he had reached an agreement with the National Institute for Disability Insurance, INAMI, and US pharmaceutical company Vertex.
Kaftrio has been reimbursable for patients over the age of 12 years since September.
The new agreement ensures the best possible care for more than 140 children under the age of 12 who suffer from cystic fibrosis, the minister said.
It will no longer be necessary to apply to the College of Orphan Medicines, which will reduce the period of uncertainty for patients and doctors while waiting for reimbursements to be approved.
Cystic fibrosis is a severe condition that has a major impact on the burden of disease and quality of life of patients.
Several clinical studies show that Kaftrio optimises lung function, reduces antibiotic use and improves the quality of life of patients.
Kalydeco protects the lungs by restoring the salt-water balance in the respiratory tract.
