The Government of Saskatchewan has announced an expansion in the age range for the cystic fibrosis (CF) medication Trikafta, to include those aged between two and five who are found to meet medical criteria as of February 1, 2024.  

CF is a recessive genetic disorder that affects approximately 125 people in Saskatchewan. It impacts a person’s lungs and digestive organs such as their intestines, pancreas, and liver. 

While it cannot cure cystic fibrosis, the medication could assist in preventing lung damage by addressing the underlying causes of the disorder.  

Health Minister Everett Hindley commented that Trikafta has been shown to improve the quality of life of people with cystic fibrosis. “In 2022-2023, the provincial government, through the drug plan, spent about $20 million on this particular drug. On average, it works out to about $300,000 annually per patient.” 

The age expansion will lead to the addition of roughly five patients.