The Department of Health have said there is a real possibility that a deal can be reached with the manufactures’ of the life saving cystic fibrosis drug Orkambi.
The department say they are highly confident that a deal can be reached after negotiations between HSE representatives and manufacturer Vertex got underway this afternoon.
Meanwhile the Minister for Health Simon Harris has revealed there has been a lot done behind the scenes to get to this point, saying: “Not a lot has happened in public, but an awful lot has happened.”
“If we purchase Orkambi it will probably be the most expensive drug we have ever purchased in the history of the state.”
“This is a really important drug for many patients, I understand the anxiety and worry of Cystic Fibrosis patients and their families. They have waited a long time. ”
“But as Minister for Health I have a responsibility to get the best possible deal.”