News release

Cystic Fibrosis Drug Funded Through Pharmacare

Health and Wellness

Government has reached an agreement with the manufacturer of Kalydeco, a cystic fibrosis drug used to help manage a rare form of the disease, and has included it in Pharmacare programs.

"My life changed when I received Kalydeco through a compassionate care program. After receiving tremendous results in just a couple of weeks, my drive to get this drug into the hands of more people with cystic fibrosis amplified," said Timothy Vallillee. "My family and I are so pleased to know that Kalydeco is now funded through Pharmacare."

Kalydeco was included on the Nova Scotia Formulary as of Oct. 1, and is available to Pharmacare beneficiaries age 6 or older who carry a specific gene related to cystic fibrosis.

"This is an important step in helping Nova Scotians living with a rare form of this devastating disease get the help they need," said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. "It was very important for us to participate in the pan-Canadian pricing alliance process, which helps lower drug costs for public drug programs."

Pharmacare programs include Seniors' and Family Pharmacare, Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients, the Department of Community Services Pharmacare, and Pharmacare benefits to residents of long-term care facilities who are younger than 65.