Kalydeco campaign takes to the skies

Today is day one of the federal parliamentary year in Australia and so lobbying begins.

Among the first out of the blocks this morning was Cystic Fibrosis Australia, which has tethered a hot air balloon in Federation Mall trying to grab attention of politicians as they arrive to start work.

The main lobbying point is that CFA wants the Australian Government to approve Kalydeco therapy on the country’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, making the treatment affordable for the about 200 Australians with G551D-type cystic fibrosis.

The therapy costs $300,000 per patient per year, hence the plea for PBS listing and subsidy.

CFA says the tethered balloon symbolises the limbo the cystic fibrosis community is in while it waits for a PBS listing decision

Via – Pharmacy News and other sources.