The indignation of a pharmaceutical firm specializing in cystic fibrosis records a significant profit | Society

A pharmaceutical giant charging the NHS at an unaffordable price for a life-changing drug has angered the activists after recording a huge increase in its revenues.

Ministers are already under pressure to intervene on the price of Orkambi, a cystic fibrosis drug that could extend the lives of thousands of children. Vertex, its manufacturer, has set the price of the drug at £ 104,000 per patient per year. NHS England has refused the offer of 500 million pounds over five years for the use of its drugs.

In the financial results that will ignite the row, the company has recorded a 40% increase in its revenue for the last quarter of 2018, with records suggesting a bank of about £ 2.3bn. The results come as society prepares to face a parliamentary inquiry into its claims. Discussions with the NHS have been stalled since last summer.

The activists called on the government to use an obscure law to allow the drug to be produced cheaply. Under the 1977 Patents Act, the state can effectively cancel a patent in the national interest, but this provision has rarely been used.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs. The treatments have helped more children survive until adulthood, but half of them will die before the age of 32.

Jon Ashworth, Shadow's Health Secretary, said, "People with cystic fibrosis who are currently being denied this life-saving drug will be disgusted with these benefits. By refusing to play fair with the NHS, this big pharmaceutical group is holding lives in ransom. The price they want for Orkambi is simply unfair.

"I'm meeting Vertex bosses on Monday and I'll ask for a fairer agreement. If they refuse to move, ministers should step in and use the means they have to ensure that an affordable version of Orkambi is available to those who need it. "

There are more than 10,000 people with cystic fibrosis in the UK and it is thought that at least half of them could benefit from the Orkambi prescription. An agreement for its use in Scotland is expected soon.

Rebecca Hunt, vice president of the company, said, "Vertex confirms that we will be attending the next Health and Social Affairs Committee public hearing on March 7th. Out of respect for the parliamentary process, we will not provide any other updates at this time. "