Saskatchewan to cover expensive cystic fibrosis drug, Report

An expensive drug used to treat a rare form of cystic fibrosis is being added to the province’s drug plan.

If patients had to buy the drug directly from the manufacturer, it could cost $300,000 a patient per year, officials said.

The province has negotiated a lower price, but isn’t revealing how much lower.

It’s believed only two or three people in Saskatchewan who have a rare form of CF will qualify for the drug.

Kalydeco will be included in the drug formulary effective Sept. 1.

It’s one of the most expensive drugs in the plan, officials said.

Saskatchewan is the third province to cover the drug in Canada — after Ontario and Alberta.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system.

Agencies/Canadajournal