Beximco Pharma ensures global access to cystic fibrosis treatment

In a historic development for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients worldwide, Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd has introduced Triko, a low-cost generic version of Trikafta, the breakthrough triple combination therapy developed by US-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

The announcement was made on 23 October at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference (NACFC) in Seattle, Washington, by a coalition of mothers of children living with CF. The group, operating a community-run buyers' club, aims to help patients access affordable treatment through Beximco's generic alternative.

CF, a rare but life-threatening genetic disorder, affects around 189,000 people globally, though only 60% are diagnosed and 27% receive treatment. Trikafta—a combination of elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor—has been hailed as a game-changer, significantly improving survival rates. However, its US list price of $370,000 per year has made it inaccessible for most patients.

Beximco's Triko will be available at a fraction of the cost — $6,375 per child per year and $12,750 for adults — allowing 58 children to be treated for the cost of one branded treatment. It is expected to be available for purchase and supply from spring 2026.

Announcing the initiative, Gayle Pledger, Senior Organiser for Just Treatment and leader of the Right to Breathe campaign, said:

"This is a historic moment — patients, families, and allies have come together to build the solution the global CF community has been waiting for. We've watched children suffer and die while a treatment sat on the shelf, priced out of reach. Today, that changes — we've proven that patient power can achieve what billion-dollar corporations refuse to."

Beximco is also launching Bexdeco, a generic version of ivacaftor, one of Trikafta's key components, at a cost of just $5 per tablet.

Rabbur Reza, Chief Operating Officer of Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd, said:

"At Beximco Pharma, we strive to address unmet medical needs, especially in therapy areas with limited access. Access to medicines for rare diseases like CF is severely restricted by prohibitive costs. We believe our affordable generic version of Trikafta will have a transformative impact on thousands of patients deprived of treatment."

Beximco developed Triko on humanitarian grounds following a request from the Third World Network (TWN), a Malaysia-based research and advocacy organisation, along with patient groups Just Treatment (UK) and the Right to Breathe campaign.

This initiative represents a major step toward equitable access to life-saving therapies, reinforcing Beximco's reputation as a pioneer in affordable global healthcare solutions.