The CFNF Committee has been engaging with Vertex and various stakeholders over the past twelve months to ascertain the affordability and access to Vertex’s modulator treatments, namely Trikafta and Kalydeco.
The last engagement was held on the 23rd of September, 2021. Vertex is now in the process of doing a feasibility business case study on supplying the Southern African market, and we anticipate an outcome by November 2021.
As you are aware, there are generics available on the market at a dramatically reduced price, and in this regard Gador in Argentina started selling the Trikafta generic in October. However, due to patents registered by Vertex, these generics cannot be brought into South Africa directly unless Vertex issues the relevant pharmaceutical companies with licenses.
For any patient attempting to get the generics into SA, please discuss with your treating doctor as there are important steps that need to be taken before starting treatment with modulators, or email belinda.j.nell@gmail.com for more information.