Cystic fibrosis patient's 'tears of joy' over 'wonder drug'

By Jenness Mitchell & Brandon Cook

A young cystic fibrosis patient said her “legs went to jelly” and she cried “tears of joy” after doctors revealed she’s to be given a miracle drug that could save her life.

Hailey Mann, from Aberdeenshire, has lived with the life-threatening condition since birth, but her health has rapidly deteriorated since January.

With only 14% capacity in her lungs, doctors earlier told her to make end-of-life preparations.

The 24-year-old has now been given “hope” following the Scottish Government’s approval of ‘wonder drug’ Kaftrio for the NHS earlier this week.

Following approval from the European Medicines Agency, it is expected a licence will be granted in the coming weeks.

However, Ms Mann said she was left “speechless” when she was told on Friday an agreement had been made with Vertex Pharmaceuticals to make the treatment available to her on “compassionate grounds” as soon as possible.

Ms Mann told STV News: “My legs went to jelly, I was shaking like a leaf.

“There’s so many different emotions going on. There was tears of joy.

“Obviously I’m totally nervous – with any kind of drugs come side-effects – so it’s a bit of the anxiety, the excitement, and just hope that my body will react as well as physically possible.”

The revolutionary drug has the potential to ease sufferers’ condition and improve their quality of life.

The treatment combines three drugs to tackle the underlying causes of the condition by helping lungs work more effectively.

Health experts believe nine out of ten cystic fibrosis patients could benefit from the drug.

Ms Mann hopes the drug will help her to put on weight to get on the lung transplant list.

She said she’s heard “amazing stories” about Kaftrio, adding: “It gives me life, it gives me hope.”

Ms Mann is now waiting on a call from her pharmacy to tell her the Kaftrio has arrived.

She added: “It still doesn’t feel real, I feel like I’m dreaming.”