Today Dr Mike Freelander attended the cystic fibrosis rally on the front lawn of Parliament House, Canberra.

Dr Freelander met with local advocate Lauren Rowe who lives with cystic fibrosis and has survived a double lung transplant.

“Lauren is an inspirational young woman who offers hope and inspiration to many young people living with cystic fibrosis” Dr Freelander said.

Recently two drugs that target specific defects that cause cystic fibrosis; Kalydeco and Orkambi have become available.

Dr Mike Freelander MP welcomes the confirmation that the drug Kalydeco will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule. “The listing of Kalydeco will change the future for many young children with cystic fibrosis and their families.”

Dr Mike Freelander said “Kalydeco is a game changer in alleviating the devastating symptoms for children aged 2-5 with cystic fibrosis.”

Dr Freelander said “We now need to work to get Orkambi listed on the PBS as well. Orkambi will target the defect that is experienced by the majority of people living cystic fibrosis.”

“Although it is expensive, Orkambi will change thousands of lives and I encourage the Government to put it on the PBS just as they did with Kalydeco.”