I received a great email today from the CF team. Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced the results from the Phase 3 clinical trials of Kalydeco and VX-809, a combination of drugs, in people with two copies of the F508del mutation (which is what I have). Simply put, the results are very promising and would improve the lives of people living with CF! Vertex will be submitting a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA hopefully by the end of 2014.
This fantastic news also means that they are one step closer to finding new treatments that would target the root cause of the disease. That is HUGE.
Please continue to pray for the people developing these medicines, for the FDA's approval and for people like me who desperately want a cure to be found which would allow us to have dreams of living healthier and longer lives past the average life expectancy which is in the mid-30's. Of course, many of you know that statistics are just that: Statistics. Some CF-ers are living well into their 40's too. However, I will admit, turning 30 messed with me some. As a result, seeing far into the future is hard for me at times. I have to remind myself each day to live life to the fullest no matter what may lie ahead and ALWAYS be grateful.
I have a doctor appointment Monday. I'll let you know how that goes. The Vertex press release is below too if you are interested in viewing. Thank you for reading this blog everyone! It means a lot. : )
Vertex press release: Big News!