STAT+: The price of a Vertex cystic fibrosis treatment stirs anger in Australia
The latest dustup over the cost of cystic fibrosis medicines sold by Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) is taking place in Australia, where an independent committee recommended that the government not cover a new combination treatment due to the cost and financial implications.
In explaining its decision, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee acknowledged that the medicine, called Trikafta, provided a significant benefit for some patients, especially those with a particular gene mutation. But the PBAC also noted that the cost effectiveness had not been satisfactorily established and deferred recommending coverage while Vertex and the government continue talks. (See page 10).
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