Since last September, the province has provided coverage for the drug to Albertans who are 12 and older. At a news conference Monday, Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping said access to the drug for young children with cystic fibrosis (CF) will improve their quality of life. “This change means that younger children can now benefit from treatment from this highly effective prescription drug and achieve the same improved health outcomes that others are experiencing,” said Copping. Health Canada approved the use of Trikafta to treat children between the ages of six and 11 on April 19. On July 6, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health recommended the drug for registration.
CF is a genetic disease that causes mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive system, and other parts of the body. Other provinces such as Ontario has also moved to expand Trikaft coverage for the age group of six to 11 years.

“Truly life-changing” medicine.

Sharon Stepaniuk, an advocate for people living with CF and mother of two children with the diseasesaid he was grateful for the government’s decision to expand access. “This announcement today that allows children to start treatment earlier than ever will open up a world of possibilities for them,” Stepaniuk said at Monday’s news conference. Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping announced Monday that access to the cystic fibrosis drug Trikafta will be expanded to Albertans between the ages of six and 11. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press) Stepaniuk said starting drug treatment early in life will prevent substantial, permanent lung damage and allow young people with CF to live “longer, healthier and fuller lives.” Amanda Bartels, a cystic fibrosis patient and advocate, said she has been using Trikafta for just over two years. Before Trikafta, Bartels was hospitalized with lung infections about three to four times a year. She was given compassionate access to the drug in June 2020 because she was one of the sickest cystic fibrosis patients in the country, Bartels said at the press conference. “I am so grateful to have been given this life-saving drug and to be able to help show our government how truly life-changing this drug is,” he said. Bartels was on track to have a double lung transplant, but plans for that surgery have been put on hold indefinitely since Bartels started using Tricafta. “I am blessed to be turning 40 with my original lungs, healthier than they have been in years, which has brought joy and relief to my family.”