MARILLA, N.Y. (WKBW) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new breakthrough therapy for cystic fibrosis called Trikafta.
It is a triple combination therapy that could treat 90% of patients with the most common cystic fibrosis mutation. Trikafta is approved for patients age 12 and older.
You can read the full FDA press release on the approval here.
Cystic Fibrosis is a inherited genetic disorder. The disease causes the body to form thick mucus in areas like the lungs, digestive tract, and other parts. C-F patients struggle to breathe and describe taking a breath like trying to suck air through a small straw.
The disease can also cause other problems such as diabetes and gastrointestinal issues.
Trikafta has been found to help decrease the production of thick mucus.
"I just want this to work for everyone," said Lauren Reilly from Marilla.
Lauren Reilly was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 18, after many years of dealing with sinus infections, pneumonia, and stays in the hospital.
"It is tough to listen to your daughter coughing all night long and not getting any sleep," added her father, Paul Reilly.
"It is very serious and it started to take its toll," commented her mother, Ruth Reilly.
The family is now hoping the therapy treatment will finally give cystic fibrosis patients a new chance to live life.
It is estimated that Trikafta could cost over $300,000 for a years worth of therapy.
The Reilly's said they hope insurance companies will realize the new treatment is still cheaper than paying for multiple hospital stays which are common for cystic fibrosis patients.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly spent the day with the family to see how they are dealing with the disease.
