Do you or someone in your family have CF and live in South Africa?

JOIN THE HISTORIC LEGAL CASE FOR LIFESAVING CF TREATMENT

SOUTH AFRICAN CF PATIENTS
TAKE ON VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS

Hundreds of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients in South Africa are being denied access to lifesaving treatment due to the extortionate prices set by manufacturer Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Now, CF patients are taking the fight for access to the courts, in a landmark legal case which could transform and save lives across South Africa for eligible CF patients.

Read on to find out more, and how you can help.

What’s happening?

Cheri Nel is a 39-year-old cystic fibrosis patient from Johannesburg, South Africa. She is taking US pharmaceutical company Vertex, the manufacturers of CF medication Trikafta, to court for denying her the right to healthcare.

If she wins, she will be granted a compulsory licence - which will give her access to the medicine she desperately needs. But there are still hundreds of other patients across the country who are being priced out of access.

That’s why Cheri is calling on all CF patients in South Africa to join her as a co-applicant in the case - meaning that if Cheri wins, every CF patient wins too.

What’s at stake?

This case is about so much more than just South Africa. It’s even about more than just CF.

A legal victory against Vertex in South Africa would have major ramifications for the ability of CF communities in other countries to pursue similar tactics to gain access.

Not only this, but it would represent an unprecedented challenge to the current global big pharma model - which is costing lives every day whilst generating enormous profits.

Every single one of us deserves the right to breathe. By joining forces in this landmark legal case, South African CF patients have the chance to not only save lives, but to make history.

How can I help?

If you or an under-18 loved one has CF and lives in South Africa, you can join the case. Email us to sign up or for more information.

If you live outside of South Africa, or if you’re not part of the CF community but want to show your support, here’s a few important things you can do:

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Meet the early co-applicants

Tanya (CF mum)

"I’m joining Cheri as a co-applicant in this case on behalf of my beautiful son Janco, who is 6 years old. He’s been through so much in his short life and like hundreds of other CF families in South Africa, we need access to these lifesaving drugs now. By acting together, I truly believe that we will be heard."

Jabsile Maphanga (CF mum)

"My daughter, Lwandle, has been in and out of hospital since birth. Her CF diagnosis last year came as a terrible shock and so I will be joining Cheri as a co-applicant to get access to the drugs that she needs. I want to see Lwandle playing and having fun with her friends instead of suffering. That is every child’s basic right.

Jolene du Plessis (CF mum)

"Access to modulator medication is not a luxury. It's the key to unlocking the simple joys of childhood and holds the promise of a longer and higher quality of life. For our Rynah and countless others, it is access to the right to plan a future as they literally breathe more freely."

Jason (CF patient)

"Having witnessed many others with CF pass away, at my age and younger, I cannot stand back and accept that the simple act of breathing unrestricted air should come with a price tag of
$326,000 a year. By coming together as a community, we are stronger, and our voices can be heard louder."