Right to Breathe Campaign

Subject : Science and Technology

Section: Intellectual Property

Concept :

What is Right to Breathe Campaign

It is a patient-driven campaign across multiple countries, including India, for access to cystic fibrosis (CF) therapy- Trikafta, from the American biotech company Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
Campaigns have been mounted in South Africa, Ukraine, Brazil and India, led by ‘Vertex save us’, a global community of CF patients and families, and coordinated by Just Treatment, a UK-based campaigner for patient rights, with support from other international organisations.
Although Vertex does not have a presence in India, patient families recently wrote to the Centre, seeking access to the combination drug Trikafta or Kaftrio, that treats this life-shortening genetic disorder

What is cystic fibrosis (CF) therapy?

CF causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, and digestive system, and the undiagnosed often die in their infancy, the letter said, urging the Government to consider patent provisions available in the law to make the drug accessible.

What are Fixed dose combinations (FDCs)?

Fixed dose combinations (FDCs) are defined as a combination of two or more active ingredients within a single form of pharmaceutical administration They have been shown to appreciably reduce the risk of medication non-adherence, which is particularly important in patients with chronic diseases However, their rationality for use should be based on sound medical principles as there have been concerns with their irrationality and utility in several countries