UK Health Officials Ask Vertex to Wrap Up Orkambi Pricing Negotiations

Two UK health ministers urged Vertex Pharmaceuticals to resolve price negotiations for its cystic fibrosis drug Orkambi (lumacaftor and ivacaftor).

Under Secretary of State for Health Lord O’Shaughnessy and Under Secretary of State for Public Health and Primary Care Steve Brine called on the company in a letter to commit to pricing that is “responsible and proportionate to the benefits that patients receive.”

The letter followed NICE’s determination that the drug is not cost-effective. The National Health Service said it will refuse to cover the drug unless Vertex lowers the price.