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Scots babies to get ‘suit of armour' jab to fight deadly winter virus
Scots babies to get ‘suit of armour' jab to fight deadly winter virus

Daily Record

time21 hours ago

  • Health
  • Daily Record

Scots babies to get ‘suit of armour' jab to fight deadly winter virus

NHS Scotland will offer the new drug to protect babies born before 32 weeks against respiratory syncytial virus. Thousands of premature babies across Scotland are set to be shielded from common virus with a new single-dose jab being rolled out on the NHS. ‌ From this autumn, NHS Scotland will offer nirsevimab - described by doctors as a 'protective bubble' - to babies born before 32 weeks, helping to guard against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). ‌ RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds and usually gets better by itself, but can cause severe illness for babies and older adults. ‌ It is estimated around 30,000 youngsters are admitted to hospital with the virus every year in the UK, with about 30 babies dying. The long lasting jab will give Scotland's most at-risk babies up to six months of protection and replaces the previous treatment palivizumab, which required monthly injections. ‌ Dr Claire Fuller, co-national medical director for NHS England said: 'This injection will provide premature babies with a protective bubble against RSV just in time for the colder months. 'It will offer a long-lasting defence helping to avoid unnecessary hospitalisations and serious illness – giving babies the best possible start in life and shielding them from harm.' Scotland will join health systems in Wales, Northern Ireland and England in offering nirsevimab from late September, with an estimated 9,000 babies across the UK expected to benefit. ‌ NHS England said premature babies are three times more likely to be hospitalised with RSV and ten times more likely to need intensive care than those born full-term. John Stewart, director of specialised commissioning at NHS England said: 'For babies born very prematurely, the risk of contracting RSV in their first winter is high and extremely serious. 'This new medication will provide vulnerable infants with their own suit of armour that protects against what can be a life-threatening infection.' ‌ Public health minister Ashley Dalton said: 'By rolling out nirsevimab this September, we're ensuring that our most at-risk infants, including those who are born too early to benefit from maternal vaccination, are protected in the best possible way.' John Stewart, director of specialised commissioning at NHS England, said: 'For babies born very prematurely, the risk of contracting RSV in their first winter is high and extremely serious. This new medication will provide vulnerable infants with their own suit of armour.' Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: 'Having an RSV vaccine from week 28 in every pregnancy is key to protecting your baby against RSV bronchiolitis. Most RSV hospital admissions in babies can be prevented by vaccination. ‌ Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'This new NHS nirsevimab immunisation programme will offer really important protection for very premature babies born before they can be protected by mum's antenatal vaccination.' Since September 2024, pregnant women have been eligible for an RSV jab from 28 weeks onwards to boost their immune system and pass antibodies to their unborn babies to protect them in the first weeks of life. However, this new drug works differently to the jab, as premature babies born before 32 weeks have limited or no protection given from the vaccinations recommended for pregnant women. Trial data shows nirsevimab offers more than 80% protection against RSV compared to about 55% with palivizumab, NHS England said. Nirsevimab will also be offered on a seasonal basis to babies and young children with weakened immune systems or complex heart and lung conditions.

Hundreds of cystic fibrosis patients become eligible for ‘life-changing' therapy
Hundreds of cystic fibrosis patients become eligible for ‘life-changing' therapy

Leader Live

time5 days ago

  • Health
  • Leader Live

Hundreds of cystic fibrosis patients become eligible for ‘life-changing' therapy

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has given the green light for the NHS to give patients Alyftrek, a type of modulator therapy which works to tackle the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is caused by a faulty gene that affects the production of a protein called CFTR. Modulator drugs work by helping to make the CFTR protein work effectively. NHS officials said the treatments can 'transform' life expectancy and quality of life for patients. There are a number of modulator therapies available but some patients with the rarest forms of the disease have been unable to access them until now. Nice approved Alyftrek, which is known as a triple therapy, for patients aged six and over for the most common form of CF as an alternative to another treatment called Kaftrio. And NHS England announced that the treatment would also be made available for children and adults with rare forms of cystic fibrosis, who have not previously been eligible for modulator therapy. NHS England said the move allows patients with the rarest form of the disease to access the latest treatments, including Alyftrek and Kaftrio, for the first time. It said that 95% of people with cystic fibrosis in England will now be eligible for modulator therapy. The new drug, also known as vanza triple, has been found to be as effective as current drug Kaftrio in clinical trials in improving and maintaining lung function in people with CF. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved the triple combination medicine – which is also known as deutivacaftor/tezacaftor/vanzacaftor – for use in the UK, for certain patients with CF over the age of six, in March. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system which leads to breathing difficulties and serious infections. John Stewart, NHS England's director for specialised commissioning, said: 'This is a major leap forward for hundreds of patients living with the rarest forms of cystic fibrosis, offering fresh hope of a better quality of life. 'Access to a once-daily treatment at home can make an enormous difference to patients and their families – reducing the burden of hospital appointments and allowing children and young people to live more freely and independently. 'For those living with the rarest forms of the condition, this represents the very first time they will be able to access this new standard of care that has been so transformative for many since 2019. 'The rollout of this life-changing therapy demonstrates how the NHS continues to embrace innovation to deliver significant improvements in care for patients across the country at a fair price for the taxpayer.' Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said: 'CFTR modulators are already revolutionising the way cystic fibrosis is treated so we're pleased to be able to recommend Alyftrek, the latest of this type of treatment that has been shown to be effective, with significant benefits for people with the condition.' David Ramsden, chief executive of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: 'Today's announcements are another positive step in the journey to better treatments for everyone with cystic fibrosis – a lifelong, life-limiting condition without a cure. 'It's thanks to the incredible support and many years of campaigning of the CF community, and the work of all our partners, that modulator drugs are now a treatment option for thousands of people.' Ludovic Fenaux, senior vice president at Vertex International, said the move 'represents a significant milestone in our journey to serially innovate and further improve the lives of people living with this disease'.

Hundreds of cystic fibrosis patients become eligible for ‘life-changing' therapy
Hundreds of cystic fibrosis patients become eligible for ‘life-changing' therapy

South Wales Guardian

time5 days ago

  • Health
  • South Wales Guardian

Hundreds of cystic fibrosis patients become eligible for ‘life-changing' therapy

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has given the green light for the NHS to give patients Alyftrek, a type of modulator therapy which works to tackle the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is caused by a faulty gene that affects the production of a protein called CFTR. Modulator drugs work by helping to make the CFTR protein work effectively. NHS officials said the treatments can 'transform' life expectancy and quality of life for patients. There are a number of modulator therapies available but some patients with the rarest forms of the disease have been unable to access them until now. Nice approved Alyftrek, which is known as a triple therapy, for patients aged six and over for the most common form of CF as an alternative to another treatment called Kaftrio. And NHS England announced that the treatment would also be made available for children and adults with rare forms of cystic fibrosis, who have not previously been eligible for modulator therapy. NHS England said the move allows patients with the rarest form of the disease to access the latest treatments, including Alyftrek and Kaftrio, for the first time. It said that 95% of people with cystic fibrosis in England will now be eligible for modulator therapy. The new drug, also known as vanza triple, has been found to be as effective as current drug Kaftrio in clinical trials in improving and maintaining lung function in people with CF. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved the triple combination medicine – which is also known as deutivacaftor/tezacaftor/vanzacaftor – for use in the UK, for certain patients with CF over the age of six, in March. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system which leads to breathing difficulties and serious infections. John Stewart, NHS England's director for specialised commissioning, said: 'This is a major leap forward for hundreds of patients living with the rarest forms of cystic fibrosis, offering fresh hope of a better quality of life. 'Access to a once-daily treatment at home can make an enormous difference to patients and their families – reducing the burden of hospital appointments and allowing children and young people to live more freely and independently. 'For those living with the rarest forms of the condition, this represents the very first time they will be able to access this new standard of care that has been so transformative for many since 2019. 'The rollout of this life-changing therapy demonstrates how the NHS continues to embrace innovation to deliver significant improvements in care for patients across the country at a fair price for the taxpayer.' Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said: 'CFTR modulators are already revolutionising the way cystic fibrosis is treated so we're pleased to be able to recommend Alyftrek, the latest of this type of treatment that has been shown to be effective, with significant benefits for people with the condition.' David Ramsden, chief executive of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: 'Today's announcements are another positive step in the journey to better treatments for everyone with cystic fibrosis – a lifelong, life-limiting condition without a cure. 'It's thanks to the incredible support and many years of campaigning of the CF community, and the work of all our partners, that modulator drugs are now a treatment option for thousands of people.' Ludovic Fenaux, senior vice president at Vertex International, said the move 'represents a significant milestone in our journey to serially innovate and further improve the lives of people living with this disease'.

Hundreds of cystic fibrosis patients become eligible for ‘life-changing' therapy
Hundreds of cystic fibrosis patients become eligible for ‘life-changing' therapy

Rhyl Journal

time5 days ago

  • Health
  • Rhyl Journal

Hundreds of cystic fibrosis patients become eligible for ‘life-changing' therapy

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has given the green light for the NHS to give patients Alyftrek, a type of modulator therapy which works to tackle the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is caused by a faulty gene that affects the production of a protein called CFTR. Modulator drugs work by helping to make the CFTR protein work effectively. NHS officials said the treatments can 'transform' life expectancy and quality of life for patients. There are a number of modulator therapies available but some patients with the rarest forms of the disease have been unable to access them until now. Nice approved Alyftrek, which is known as a triple therapy, for patients aged six and over for the most common form of CF as an alternative to another treatment called Kaftrio. And NHS England announced that the treatment would also be made available for children and adults with rare forms of cystic fibrosis, who have not previously been eligible for modulator therapy. NHS England said the move allows patients with the rarest form of the disease to access the latest treatments, including Alyftrek and Kaftrio, for the first time. It said that 95% of people with cystic fibrosis in England will now be eligible for modulator therapy. The new drug, also known as vanza triple, has been found to be as effective as current drug Kaftrio in clinical trials in improving and maintaining lung function in people with CF. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved the triple combination medicine – which is also known as deutivacaftor/tezacaftor/vanzacaftor – for use in the UK, for certain patients with CF over the age of six, in March. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system which leads to breathing difficulties and serious infections. John Stewart, NHS England's director for specialised commissioning, said: 'This is a major leap forward for hundreds of patients living with the rarest forms of cystic fibrosis, offering fresh hope of a better quality of life. 'Access to a once-daily treatment at home can make an enormous difference to patients and their families – reducing the burden of hospital appointments and allowing children and young people to live more freely and independently. 'For those living with the rarest forms of the condition, this represents the very first time they will be able to access this new standard of care that has been so transformative for many since 2019. 'The rollout of this life-changing therapy demonstrates how the NHS continues to embrace innovation to deliver significant improvements in care for patients across the country at a fair price for the taxpayer.' Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said: 'CFTR modulators are already revolutionising the way cystic fibrosis is treated so we're pleased to be able to recommend Alyftrek, the latest of this type of treatment that has been shown to be effective, with significant benefits for people with the condition.' David Ramsden, chief executive of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: 'Today's announcements are another positive step in the journey to better treatments for everyone with cystic fibrosis – a lifelong, life-limiting condition without a cure. 'It's thanks to the incredible support and many years of campaigning of the CF community, and the work of all our partners, that modulator drugs are now a treatment option for thousands of people.' Ludovic Fenaux, senior vice president at Vertex International, said the move 'represents a significant milestone in our journey to serially innovate and further improve the lives of people living with this disease'.

Hundreds of cystic fibrosis patients become eligible for ‘life-changing' therapy
Hundreds of cystic fibrosis patients become eligible for ‘life-changing' therapy

North Wales Chronicle

time5 days ago

  • Health
  • North Wales Chronicle

Hundreds of cystic fibrosis patients become eligible for ‘life-changing' therapy

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has given the green light for the NHS to give patients Alyftrek, a type of modulator therapy which works to tackle the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is caused by a faulty gene that affects the production of a protein called CFTR. Modulator drugs work by helping to make the CFTR protein work effectively. NHS officials said the treatments can 'transform' life expectancy and quality of life for patients. There are a number of modulator therapies available but some patients with the rarest forms of the disease have been unable to access them until now. Nice approved Alyftrek, which is known as a triple therapy, for patients aged six and over for the most common form of CF as an alternative to another treatment called Kaftrio. And NHS England announced that the treatment would also be made available for children and adults with rare forms of cystic fibrosis, who have not previously been eligible for modulator therapy. NHS England said the move allows patients with the rarest form of the disease to access the latest treatments, including Alyftrek and Kaftrio, for the first time. It said that 95% of people with cystic fibrosis in England will now be eligible for modulator therapy. The new drug, also known as vanza triple, has been found to be as effective as current drug Kaftrio in clinical trials in improving and maintaining lung function in people with CF. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved the triple combination medicine – which is also known as deutivacaftor/tezacaftor/vanzacaftor – for use in the UK, for certain patients with CF over the age of six, in March. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system which leads to breathing difficulties and serious infections. John Stewart, NHS England's director for specialised commissioning, said: 'This is a major leap forward for hundreds of patients living with the rarest forms of cystic fibrosis, offering fresh hope of a better quality of life. 'Access to a once-daily treatment at home can make an enormous difference to patients and their families – reducing the burden of hospital appointments and allowing children and young people to live more freely and independently. 'For those living with the rarest forms of the condition, this represents the very first time they will be able to access this new standard of care that has been so transformative for many since 2019. 'The rollout of this life-changing therapy demonstrates how the NHS continues to embrace innovation to deliver significant improvements in care for patients across the country at a fair price for the taxpayer.' Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said: 'CFTR modulators are already revolutionising the way cystic fibrosis is treated so we're pleased to be able to recommend Alyftrek, the latest of this type of treatment that has been shown to be effective, with significant benefits for people with the condition.' David Ramsden, chief executive of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: 'Today's announcements are another positive step in the journey to better treatments for everyone with cystic fibrosis – a lifelong, life-limiting condition without a cure. 'It's thanks to the incredible support and many years of campaigning of the CF community, and the work of all our partners, that modulator drugs are now a treatment option for thousands of people.' Ludovic Fenaux, senior vice president at Vertex International, said the move 'represents a significant milestone in our journey to serially innovate and further improve the lives of people living with this disease'.

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