Pharmac has opened public consultation on a proposal to widen access to life-changing cystic fibrosis medicines, including funding treatments for children of all ages for the first time.

Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the proposal would see Trikafta and a new treatment, Alyftrek, funded for people with cystic fibrosis regardless of age, subject to positive feedback. If approved, the changes would take effect from 1 April 2026.

Under the proposal, Pharmac would:

• fund access to Trikafta for all children with an eligible diagnosis, removing the current age limit of six years and older
• fund access to Kalydeco for everyone with an eligible diagnosis
• fund a new treatment, Alyftrek, for cystic fibrosis

“Pharmac is now consulting the public on this proposal. It includes funding Trikafta and Alyftrek for children of all ages with cystic fibrosis,” Mr Seymour said.

“The proposal has had significant support from the cystic fibrosis community, so we are expecting positive feedback.”

Mr Seymour said doctors would be able to use their clinical judgement to prescribe either Trikafta or Alyftrek to any patient who would benefit.

“These treatments are life-changing for Kiwis living with cystic fibrosis and their families. If approved, this proposal would give children access to these medicines as soon as clinically appropriate,” he said.

“Cystic fibrosis can cause harm very early in life, so waiting to meet age-based eligibility criteria is not an option.”

In 2023, Pharmac began funding Trikafta for children aged six and over. However, children under six were excluded, leaving families with limited choices.

“Parents had to choose to wait until their children were old enough, pay hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for private treatment, or move overseas,” Mr Seymour said.

He said the proposal reflected Pharmac’s commitment to working closely with patients and advocacy groups.

“This has been made possible through Pharmac working alongside the cystic fibrosis community. It shows what’s possible when patients are part of the process.”

Mr Seymour said improving access to medicines would also reduce pressure on the wider health system.

“When people can access their medicines easily, they stay healthier for longer. That takes pressure off other parts of the health system.”

Pharmac is seeking feedback from people living with cystic fibrosis, their families, healthcare professionals, advocacy groups and other interested parties.

Public consultation closes at 5pm on Wednesday, February 11th.