Saskatchewan expands Cystic Fibrosis drug coverage with new treatment option

People living with cystic fibrosis in Saskatchewan now have access to an additional treatment option as the province begins covering the cost of a new medication.

Starting Aug. 1, coverage for Alyftrek is available to cystic fibrosis patients aged six and older who meet specific medical criteria. The medication is designed for patients with one of 266 rare genetic mutations that cause cystic fibrosis.

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Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said the expanded coverage will provide more treatment options for people living with the disease.

“Our government is pleased to cover the cost of this new treatment for Saskatchewan patients with cystic fibrosis,” Cockrill said. “Alyftrek has been shown to improve quality of life in patients with CF, so expanding coverage puts CF patients first by helping them to lead healthier lives.”

Treatment helps manage symptoms and slow disease progression

While there is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis, treatments like Alyftrek can help control symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

The province said coverage for Alyftrek follows a July 2025 recommendation from Health Canada that jurisdictions provide access to the medication for patients six years of age and older who meet certain medical requirements.

Pricing negotiations were later completed through the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance in July 2026, allowing Saskatchewan to move forward with coverage.

More than 95 per cent of eligible patients may qualify

Saskatchewan already provides coverage for other cystic fibrosis medications, including Trikafta, Orkambi and Kalydeco, which are used to treat specific genetic forms of the disease.

The addition of Alyftrek expands the number of treatment options available and means more than 95 per cent of eligible cystic fibrosis patients in Saskatchewan are now candidates for therapy.

Patients with cystic fibrosis, as well as parents or guardians of children living with the disease, are encouraged to speak with their physician if they believe they may benefit from Alyftrek.

Nearly 150 people in Saskatchewan living with cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system.

According to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Registry, more than 4,500 people in Canada are living with cystic fibrosis, including nearly 150 patients in Saskatchewan.