Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will hold discussions with (a) the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and (b) other relevant stakeholders on the availability of (i) modular therapies and (ii) other treatments for cystic fibrosis through the NHS.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is currently developing recommendations on whether the licensed cystic fibrosis modulator therapies can be recommended for routine funding by the National Health Service. NICE is responsible for leading engagement with interested parties in the development of its recommendations and we have no plans to hold separate discussions.

NICE has recently consulted on its draft guidance and continues to work with stakeholders to address the issues highlighted by its independent Appraisal Committee. The Department encourages stakeholders such as patients and representative organisations to continue to engage in the NICE evaluation process.

Under the terms of the interim access agreement between NHS England and Vertex, eligible children and adults with cystic fibrosis in England can continue to receive ongoing treatment and be initiated onto treatment with the licensed cystic fibrosis modulators, as clinically appropriate, while NICE concludes its evaluation. The availability of medicines in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is a matter for the devolved administrations.