After years of frustration, Vertex Pharmaceuticals struck a deal with the U.K. government to supply its cystic fibrosis medicines, capping an end to a dispute that had become a symbol of the growing clash between cash-strapped governments and drug makers over the rising prices for medicines.
The agreement covers all cystic fibrosis treatments sold by Vertex, including a new triple-combination therapy once it is licensed in the U.K. Pricing was not disclosed, but the deal includes a cost-effectiveness appraisal of its entire portfolio supported by real-world data, which will be completed by September 2021, and a “flexible contractual mechanism” that guarantees the medicines will remain available, according to this letter from the National Health Service in England to a Parliamentary committee.
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