YORK Central MP Rachael Maskell has met experts to learn about a new treatment offering hope to people with cystic fibrosis.

She met members of the UK Cystic Fibrosis Trust at York Hospital to discuss the condition and a new treatment which should help to transform the lives of up to 90 per cent of those with cystic fibrosis in the next five years.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. The average life expectancy is just 41-years-old.

Ms Maskell said: "Too many people with cystic fibrosis are waiting for lung transplants and some do not reach their 50th birthday. As a physiotherapist I have worked with children and adults with CF, and therefore know the challenges of managing this condition.

"I have had a long term interest in CF, its treatment and the quality of life that can be provided for those with the condition. Finding solutions to ensure that people can go on to lead fulfilling lives and improve life expectancy is essential, however we still need to ensure that donor organs are still made available for transplants where necessary."

Up until now, medications have treated the symptoms to slow deterioration of the condition. However, for the first time new targeted treatments will treat the underlying cause of the cystic fibrosis. A new drug Orkambi is currently being assessed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and will be appraised by the NHS in autumn.

Almost half of those with cystic fibrosis in the UK carry two copies of the F508del mutation, and those aged 12 and over could stand to benefit from the treatment. The break-through treatment, which has been shown to dramatically reduce instances of chest infection, reducing the number of hospital stays and levels of lung damage, and also improves lung function, was approved in July by the FDA in the USA for people aged 12 and over with two copies of the F508del mutation.

Lynsey Beswick, Cystic Fibrosis Trust spokesperson, said: “CF is a terrible condition with a huge treatment burden and shortened life expectancy. For the first time new targeted treatments are giving patients hope that cystic fibrosis can finally be stopped in its tracks.

"We are keen to ensure that the CF community can access to these new therapies as they become available. We welcome any support that Ms Maskell can provide.”