“A Change for His Future”: Life-Saving Cystic Fibrosis Drugs Set to be Funded for All Ages
By Lions Roar Aotearoa News
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND (Friday, January 23, 2026) — In a landmark announcement that promises to transform the lives of New Zealand’s youngest cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, Associate Health Minister David Seymour has confirmed a provisional deal to widen access to the “miracle” drug Trikafta and its newly approved counterpart, Alyftrek.
Standing among officials and cameras was two-year-old Luca Rooney, held in his father Liam’s arms. For Luca and his parents, Courtney and Liam, the words spoken today represent the end of years of anxiety and the beginning of a healthier future.
🩺 A Transformation from Day One
Currently, public funding for Trikafta in New Zealand is restricted to children aged six and over. This has forced some families to make the heartbreaking choice to move overseas—to Australia or Europe—to access the drug for younger children.
- The Announcement: From April 1, 2026, Trikafta and Alyftrek are proposed to be available for all ages.
- Why it Matters: Early intervention is vital. Studies show that 50% to 70% of children under six already have structural lung damage on their first CT scan.
- The Rooney Story: Diagnosed at just two weeks old, Luca’s life has been defined by nebulisers, daily physiotherapy, enzyme calculations for every meal, and strict isolation from stagnant water and germs.
“Knowing [Luca] can get Trikafta means we hopefully don’t have to see the worst of what can happen,” said Liam Rooney. “We’ve been told it’s the most transformative drug there’s ever been.”
🏛️ A New Approach for Pharmac
Associate Health Minister David Seymour framed the announcement as a shift in how New Zealand handles life-saving medications.
- Bypassing Delays: Traditionally, funding only followed MedSafe consent. Seymour confirmed that the government is signing contracts before full consent for some ages, allowing doctors to prescribe the medicine “off-label” to get it to children faster.
- Collaboration over Conflict: “Pharmac used to be banging heads with everyone all the time. Now it is collaborating and looking for solutions,” Seymour stated.
- The Timing: When asked why this didn’t happen sooner, Seymour was blunt: “The best time to do this was about three years ago. The second best time is right now.”
📊 The Road to Funding: Key Dates
| Event | Date |
| Public Consultation Opens | Currently Open |
| Submissions Close | 5:00 PM, Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 |
| Final Decision Expected | Late February/March 2026 |
| Funding Commences | April 1, 2026 |
💡 What are Trikafta and Alyftrek?
These are known as CFTR modulators. Unlike previous treatments that only managed symptoms (like clearing mucus), these drugs treat the underlying genetic cause of cystic fibrosis, significantly improving lung function and prolonging life expectancy.
