We ask Przemysław Marszalek, secretary of the Cystic Fibrosis Coalition, a member of CF Europe and the board of the MATIO Foundation, about the diversity of cystic fibrosis and the most pressing needs of people with the condition.
Cystic fibrosis treatment must be personalized
Published May 16, 2023 10:55
Przemysław Marszalek:
- In recent years, there has been a revolution in causal medications. Some cystic fibrosis patients are already beneficiaries of this progress. As of March 2022, a large group of Polish patients will receive a causal drug that will allow them to enjoy life to the fullest, to recover.
- Unfortunately, not everyone - another part of cystic fibrosis patients, several hundred people, have no reason to rejoice, because although there is a drug for them, the application for reimbursement is only being processed, we hope that in the coming weeks, let's hope not months, there will be a positive decision.
- Cystic fibrosis to a diverse disease that depends on several thousand mutations. The cause of the disease is a defective CFTR gene, which affects the viscosity of mucus.
- Treatment of cystic fibrosis must be personalized. Unfortunately, treatment is currently not available for all patients with different mutations.
- The Ministry of Health has made bold [reimbursement] decisions that involve a large budget, while human life and health are priceless.
