North Macedonia expands cystic fibrosis therapy to 126 patients

North Macedonia has expanded access to modern CFTR modulator therapy for cystic fibrosis, increasing the number of eligible patients to 126. This marks a significant progression from 2021, when only three patients received treatment.

Health Minister Sasho Klekovski announced that the therapy is now available to all medically justified patients aged two and older, including those with rare genetic mutations previously untreated. The expansion was made possible through increased state and health insurance funds, alongside successful negotiations with the manufacturer, Vertex.

The program builds on a foundation of neonatal screening established in 2019. Macedonian medical centers are also participating in twinning projects with international institutions, including the Charité University Hospital in Berlin and Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, to improve clinical expertise and treatment standards.