Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Albertans diagnosed with cystic fibrosis will now have access to an additional treatment option as the provincial government expands its publicly funded medication programme to include Alyftrek. The once-daily drug is designed to address the underlying cause of the genetic condition in patients carrying specific mutations, offering the potential for improved lung function, easier breathing and better overall health.
More than 600 people in Alberta are living with cystic fibrosis, a serious inherited disease that leads to the accumulation of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs, digestive system and other organs. Although the condition has no known cure, advances in medical treatment have made it possible for patients to manage symptoms more effectively. Alyftrek is expected to be particularly beneficial for individuals who have had limited options under existing therapies, with some potentially receiving treatment targeting the root cause of their disease for the first time.
Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services Justin Wright said expanding access to medicines such as Alyftrek would help patients and their families deal with the challenges associated with cystic fibrosis. He stressed that making more treatment options available would support better health outcomes and enable Albertans to lead healthier lives. Kelly Grover, president and CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Canada, also welcomed the decision, describing the medication as an important development for patients who may not have responded well to previously available therapies. She called on other provinces and territories to ensure eligible Canadians can also benefit from the treatment.
The newly covered medication offers an alternative to Trikafta, which Alberta made available through accelerated public coverage in 2021. For certain patients, Alyftrek could also help reduce reliance on antibiotics and lower the likelihood of hospital visits. With the decision, Alberta has become one of the first provinces in Canada to fund the treatment following its approval by Health Canada, broadening access to newer therapies for people affected by the disease.
