The life expectancy of patients with cystic fibrosis (“CF”) has increased substantially over the past 20 years – this has been primarily due to successes in coordinated delivery of care, and advances in CF treatment.
This treatment, however, only focuses on reducing symptoms and managing complications. Consequently, while supportive care has improved the prognosis for patients, the treatments have not addressed the underlying cause of CF – however, this has now changed.
Recently-introduced agents now directly target the CFTR protein. These drugs are called CFTR modulator drugs. Access to these drugs, however, is limited for most patients due to the high cost.
The Cystic Fibrosis New Frontiers Committee (“CFNFC”) was established on 20 February 2020 as a sub-committee of the South African Cystic Fibrosis Association (“SACFA”). By uniting the efforts of all interested parties, including CF family members and medical specialists, the CF New Frontiers Committee seeks to develop and implement a strategy which will provide affordable access to these life-changing treatments for all CF patients.