Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent progress has been made on making (a) Orkambi and (b) Symkevi available on the NHS for people diagnosed with cystic fibrosis; and if he will make a statement.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and NHS England are leading the dialogue with Vertex Pharmaceuticals on access to their portfolio of cystic fibrosis medicines, including Orkambi and Symkevi.

NHS England has proposed an offer that would represent the largest ever commitment of its kind in the history of the National Health Service - in the region of £500 million over five years - and would provide immediate access for patients to all Vertex licensed medicines in advance of assessment by NICE. The Government fully supports the approach that NICE and NHS England are adopting. It is crucial that patients have access to the most effective and innovative medicines at a price that represents value to the NHS.

My Rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care held a meeting on 11 March with all the parties to discuss how best to reach a deal so that people with cystic fibrosis and their families can benefit as soon as possible. Vertex, NICE and NHS England subsequently met on Thursday 21 March and have agreed to continue discussions.