A young Victoria woman with cystic fibrosis who fought to get coverage of a life-changing drug has joined a class-action lawsuit against the government.
Lilia Zaharieva launched a campaign last year after her University of Victoria health plan cut off her access to Orkambi, a drug that can slow disease progression and increase lung function for people with cystic fibrosis.
The drug, made by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, comes with a price tag of about $250,000 for a year’s supply. It’s approved by Health Canada but is not covered under provincial health insurance.
Lillia Zaharieva took her campaign public last September after a university medical insurance plan cut off her access to Orkambi, a life-changing drug for people with cystic fibrosis. Despite her pleas, the province stood by their decision not to endorse the drug.
