Health: a revolutionary treatment for cystic fibrosis

A revolutionary treatment is available for people with cystic fibrosis. What is this miracle drug? “It’s a triple therapy, that means the combination of three molecules. It’s to be taken every day in a sachet. It’s very practical, and above all, it really revolutionizes the lives of those who can benefit from it”, explain the doctor and journalist from France Télévisions Damien Mascretpresent on the 20 Heures set, Wednesday December 6.

Lung transplants down sharply

“That started in 2021 with ages 12 and over. In 2022, we extended it to 6-11 year olds. In 2023, it is 2 to 5 year olds who can benefit from it”specifies Damien Mascret. How it works ? “When you have cystic fibrosis, there is mucus which prevents the proper circulation of air in the bronchi. (…) There are also digestive problems, because the mucus secreted by the pancreas is too thick. (…) When you take triple therapy, the mucus and secretions are much more fluid, and that means that the child and the adult feel better, can have fun and breathe freely. (…) This also means that life expectancy will increase”, he explains. Lung transplants needed for cystic fibrosis fell from 87 in 2019 to 15 in 2022.