Effective this week, the NWT is providing coverage for Trikafta, a life changing treatment for 90 per cent of Canadians with cystic fibrosis. Trikafta can be prescribed for residents 12 years and older who have a specific cystic fibrosis mutation. 

Residents with cystic fibrosis being prescribed Trikafta can apply for coverage under the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) Extended and Métis Health Benefits programs. First Nations and Inuit residents can apply under the Federal NIHB program. The estimated retail price is approximately $300,000 per patient per year.

Quote(s)

“I am pleased that residents with cystic fibrosis now have access to this life altering medication. The GNWT is committed to supporting coverage of new therapies and to improve patient access to new medications for those who need them..

- Julie Green,  Minister of Health and Social Services

Quick facts

• Health Canada added Trikafta to its Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Drug Benefit List on November 1, 2021.
• The GNWT’s Extended and Métis Health Benefits programs aligns with the Federal Drug Benefit List.
• The NIHB Program is a national program that provides coverage to eligible registered First Nations and recognized Inuit with a limited range of medically necessary health-related goods and services not provided through private or provincial/territorial health insurance plans. 
• The GNWT is a member of the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA), a coalition of provincial, territorial and federal governments that collaborate on a range of public drug plan initiatives to increase and manage access to clinically effective drug treatments.
• Cystic fibrosis is a progressive genetic disease that mainly affects the lungs and digestive system and causes persistent lung infections and loss of lung function.
• It is estimated that one in every 3,600 children born in Canada has cystic fibrosis.
• There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis.
• Retail price for Trikafta is approximately $300,000 per patient per year.

Related links

• Non-Insured Health Benefits: Drug benefit list
• Extended Health Benefits for Seniors Program
• Extended Health Benefits for Specified Disease Conditions Program
• Métis Health Benefits Program

For media requests, please contact:

Jeremy Bird

Manager of Communications

Department of Health and Social Services

Government of the Northwest Territories

Jeremy_Bird@gov.nt.ca

1-867-767-9052 ext. 49034