22 January 2026
We are absolutely delighted to share the news that today Pharmac has announced a proposal to fund increased access to several life-changing medicines for people living with cystic fibrosis in New Zealand!
This change will mean access to medicines for a wider group of people, including our younger community members, aged 2 and over.
For more information on what this means please read our press release below as well as the links to the submission form and various media coverage:
IT’S A HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR THE CYSTIC FIBROSIS COMMUNITY
Pharmac announces Provisional Agreement to widen access to life-changing CF medicine for children as young as two.
After nearly two years of advocacy, Cystic Fibrosis NZ (CFNZ) is celebrating Pharmac’s provisional agreement to fund Trikafta for children aged 2-5 years from 1 April 2026, giving our youngest and most vulnerable the chance for a longer, healthier life.
Trikafta is a highly effective modulator therapy that treats the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF) rather than just the symptoms. For many people, it has led to significant improvements in lung function, fewer hospitalisations, increased energy, and a dramatically improved life expectancy and quality of life.
In New Zealand, Trikafta has been available to people with CF aged 6 years and over since April 2023. It has drastically transformed lives for the better across the CF community, and extending access to children as young as two will mean families can look forward to fewer hospitalisations, improved health, and the possibility of a long and fruitful future.
“This proposal is game-changing for families. It will give our young children living with CF the best possible start in life, and hope to parents who have been nervously awaiting this moment,” said Simone Brown, Executive Lead for CFNZ.
“We know of at least 5 families who have moved to Australia or further overseas to access Trikafta for their young children. This proposal will enable those with young children with CF to remain in New Zealand and provide the potential for those who have already left to reunite their families. We also welcome Pharmac’s proposal to fund Trikafta so it can be used as soon as clinically appropriate, regardless of age.”
“Public consultation is the final hurdle to achieving access for our community, and we are calling on all New Zealanders to make a submission to Pharmac to ensure this proposal becomes a reality.”
Pharmac’s proposal also includes plans to widen access to currently funded Kalydeco and provide a new modulator therapy, Alyftrek, ensuring more treatment options for people living with CF.
“CFNZ’s goal is that as many people with CF as possible have access to a medicine that treats the cause of this devastating and life-limiting condition. Pharmac’s proposal is a major step towards achieving that.”
“CF is a complex condition, and every journey is different. We extend our deepest thanks to Pharmac and Vertex for recognising this and providing a range of treatments that reflect individual needs. It is very welcome news, and we couldn’t be happier,” said Brown.
With this announcement, and pending successful public consultation, New Zealand stands to join over 30 other countries that already offer Trikafta from the age of two. This country will also be one of the first to have access to Alyftrek for those eligible from the age of six. The medicines would become available from 1 April 2026.
Pharmac has previously acknowledged that Trikafta could provide “longer and improved quality of life – specifically benefits equivalent to 27 more years at full health.” Brown says. “Early intervention is critical and Trikafta resets the trajectory of our young ones’ lives. It will reduce hospitalisations, lung transplants, and premature death.”
Christchurch couple Edward and Emily Harrington-Ashton have a 20 month old son, Noah, who has CF. They say early Trikafta access for Noah will be life changing.
“I was almost in tears when I got the news, it was a relief more than anything to be honest,” said Edward.
“We had considered moving to Australia and leaving behind our families and support networks to get access to Trikafta for Noah. It’s a massive relief that we can stay where our comforts are and give Noah the best chance possible for a long and happy life. We’re extremely happy and want to pass on a huge thanks to everyone involved in making this happen.”
“CFNZ acknowledges and thanks the collective effort of the CF community. It takes incredible courage to shine a very personal light on their experiences, especially in front of Government, Pharmac, Vertex and everyday Kiwis. Without them and their unwavering dedication, we would not have achieved this milestone,” said Brown.
“Public consultation is currently underway and closes at 5pm on Wednesday 11 February 2026. CFNZ is seeking support in getting Pharmac’s proposal across the line and Trikafta into the hands of our little ones.”
Feedback can be submitted via the online form here (this is what Pharmac said)
“We had hoped that Trikafta would be under the Christmas tree, but this proposal is an equally exciting way to start 2026.”
Media Contact:
Lewis Hampton
Founder, Payper PR
m: 027 451 8090
Simone Brown:
Executive Lead, Cystic Fibrosis NZ
m: 021 195 7255
Lizzie McKay:
Communications Manager, Cystic Fibrosis NZ
m: 021 138 9944
Pharmac's Public Consultation: Make a submission
We need your voice one more time to ensure this becomes a reality for our community! Public submissions are required from now until 11th February to get this over the line.
Pharmac wants to hear your feedback on this proposal. We have put together a template to help guide you through the process.
+ Download the template here
+ Submit your feedback via Pharmac's online form here
Pharmac Proposal Notification here
NZ Herald article here
RNZ article here
