Dozens of children already benefiting from Trikafta—world’s most expensive cystic fibrosis treatment—now available free of charge at IHHN
Karachi: In a groundbreaking development for genetic healthcare in Pakistan, Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) has begun offering the world’s most ‘advanced and expensive’ treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF) completely free of charge to patients in Karachi.
The therapy, made possible through partnerships with Direct Relief Foundation USA and Vertex Pharmaceuticals USA, is already improving the lives of dozens of young patients suffering from the rare and often fatal condition.
This transformative development was confirmed by Dr. Muhammad Fareeduddin, Head of Pediatric Medicine at IHHN and Program Lead for I HEAL CF (Indus Healthcare Experts to Assist Life for Cystic Fibrosis), during an interview with Vitals News on Tuesday.
According to Dr Fareeduddin, CF is a severely underdiagnosed disease in Pakistan, largely due to lack of awareness and limited access to genetic diagnostics.
“We estimate that between 2,500 and 3,000 people in Pakistan may be suffering from cystic fibrosis, but most are unaware. It’s a rare, inherited genetic disorder, particularly hard to diagnose,” he explained. “Now, thanks to this program, we are offering not just diagnosis but complete treatment — at no cost to the patients.”
Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. It primarily affects the lungs and digestive system, resulting in chronic respiratory infections, digestive problems, and malnutrition. Without treatment, the disease progressively worsens and often leads to premature death.
Dr Fareeduddin said that the hospital has already started administering Trikafta, a breakthrough triple-combination CFTR modulator therapy (Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor) to the diagnosed patients.
“The results have been phenomenal. Patients have gained weight, their breathing has improved, and their quality of life is significantly better,” he said.
Senior pulmonologist at IHHN, Dr Saima Saeed, emphasized the critical importance of this initiative. “CF is far more common in Pakistan than we assume, particularly due to consanguineous marriages,” she said.
“In developed countries, patients are living into adulthood and even middle age due to multidisciplinary care and availability of advanced therapies. Trikafta is a game-changer, and Dr Fareeduddin’s relentless efforts have made it accessible to our patients—free of charge.”
She urged families across Pakistan to get genetically tested if their children show symptoms such as failure to thrive, repeated lung infections, or poor weight gain. “This must be publicized. For the first time in Pakistan, a treatment that costs thousands of dollars per patient per month is being provided for free at Indus,” she said.
The treatment program also includes comprehensive follow-up and nutritional support. CF patients often have pancreatic insufficiency, requiring high-calorie diets, enzyme supplements, and fat-soluble vitamins—now being provided by IHHN as part of a multidisciplinary care model.
The hospital has outlined a strict protocol to ensure treatment efficacy and prevent misuse. Patients must regularly attend follow-up appointments, return used blister packs of medication, and adhere to treatment instructions. Any deviation or non-compliance could result in suspension of the therapy.
The initiative is supported not only by international donors but also by a network of Pakistani and global experts, including clinicians from the UK, USA, and other parts of the world.
“This is not just a medical program—it’s a beacon of hope for hundreds of families in Pakistan,” said Dr Fareeduddin. “We are committed to expanding diagnosis and ensuring that every CF patient who qualifies for treatment gets the care they deserve.”
The Indus Hospital has invited pediatricians and general practitioners nationwide to refer suspected cases for free screening and genetic testing. With more patients expected to be diagnosed in the coming weeks, the program is set to scale up and potentially change the future of cystic fibrosis care in Pakistan.
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