Ten-year-old Oliver Narciso’s lung functions have been deteriorating since last year, and his family told Global News they were considering moving to Ontario to gain access to the drug, which has been called “transformational” for cystic fibrosis patients.

		Read more: ‘Disappointing’: Family urges BC to fund new drug for young children with cystic fibrosis 		
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			‘Disappointing’: Family urges BC to fund new drug for young children with cystic fibrosis

Until now, the drug was only covered for patients age 12 and older. Without coverage the drug costs $25,000 a month. On Wednesday, the Department of Health announced it was extending coverage for the drug, effective Sept. 13, “based on the recommendation of the Canadian Drug Expert Panel.” Story continues below ad Trikafta was first introduced in September 2021, and the province said initial guidelines required patients to be 12 years of age or older and have a forced expiratory volume (FEV) of less than 90 percent. Trending Stories

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																0:33 Province extends Trikafta drug eligibility to young Manitobans Province extends Trikafta drug eligibility to young Manitobans – August 17, 2022

He said the guidance has since changed to include a younger cohort, with no requirement. The changes will expand eligibility to children ages six to 11 and bring BC in line with other provinces. “Today’s news will change the trajectory of the disease and the future for many children and adults in British Columbia living with cystic fibrosis,” said Kelly Grover, president and CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Canada in a media release.

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Story continues below ad “We are pleased to see that the restrictive starting criterion regarding lung function has also been removed, allowing more people to access the drug.” Trikafta is covered under BC’s Expensive Drugs for Rare Diseases process, which gives patients access to high-cost drugs on a case-by-case basis. The health ministry said there are currently about 150 people eligible for the drug, with another 185 expected to become eligible when the criteria are expanded next week. © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.