In a significant development earlier this month, as reported in the Hindu newspaper, CF families have sought immediate intervention from the Indian government, courts, and lawmakers to break Vertex's patents on life-saving cystic fibrosis (CF) medications, specifically CFTR modulators like Trikafta. The appeal centres around the urgent need for immediate access to these critical drugs.
Despite holding patents in India, Vertex has neither registered their medications with the country's regulatory authorities or shown a genuine interest in supplying them to Indian CF patients. This lack of action has left patients - many of whom are children - dying without access to treatments that could significantly increase their life expectancy and transform their quality of life.
While generic manufacturers in Argentina legally produce CFTR modulators, they are unable to supply these medications to Indian patients due to patent infringement concerns and the threat of legal action. This barrier prevents the importation of more affordable generic versions, leaving patients with very limited options.
Alongside CF patients & families, we are urging the Indian government to encourage and incentivise domestic pharmaceutical companies to produce generic CFTR modulators, including Trikafta, using laws that exist to protect the health and rights of patients. By doing so, India can leverage its robust generic drug manufacturing industry to make these essential medications accessible and affordable for those in need.
Whilst we await an official response from the government regarding these demands, we will continue to explore next steps to ensure that CF patients in India can access the medicines that they desperately need.