Affordable Generic Cystic Fibrosis Drug Brings Hope Worldwide

Bangladeshi company Beximco's new generic version of the life-changing ETI drug offers major cost savings for families.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:04am

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A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring, where the outline of a human lung is defined entirely by glowing, vibrant neon lines against a deep, dark background, emphasizing the shape and energy of the organ affected by cystic fibrosis.The vibrant, neon outline of a lung symbolizes the life-changing impact of affordable cystic fibrosis treatment, now within reach for more families worldwide.Seattle Today

After years of high prices and limited access to the transformative cystic fibrosis drug ETI, a new affordable generic version called Triko has been announced by Bangladeshi company Beximco. This breakthrough comes as a relief to families who have long struggled to afford the treatment, with the generic priced at just $12,750 for adults and $6,375 for children annually - a fraction of the original cost. The story highlights the global disparities in CF diagnosis and treatment access, as well as the power of collective action by patient advocates to drive change.

Why it matters

Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system, but new CFTR modulator drugs like ETI have dramatically improved outcomes. However, only about 25% of the estimated 190,000 CF patients worldwide have access to these treatments due to their extremely high costs. The arrival of an affordable generic version has the potential to dramatically expand access, especially in low- and middle-income countries where most undiagnosed CF cases are believed to be.

The details

The new generic drug Triko, produced by Bangladeshi company Beximco, will be priced at $12,750 annually for adults and $6,375 for children - a fraction of the original ETI drug's cost. This breakthrough comes after years of advocacy by parents and activists, including the creation of a 'buyers club' in the UK to collectively source a generic version of the precursor drug Orkambi. While the Argentinian route to accessing ETI was disrupted by inflation, the Beximco generic offers a new path to affordability.

  • In 2019, UK families united to form a 'buyers club' to obtain a generic version of the CF drug Orkambi.
  • In 2022, Bangladeshi company Beximco announced the launch of its generic ETI drug called Triko.
  • Triko will be priced at $12,750 annually for adults and $6,375 for children, significantly lower than the original ETI drug.

The players

Grant Leitch

A 7-year-old boy whose question about whether his younger brother Brett would die from cystic fibrosis resonated with the struggles faced by many CF families worldwide.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

The patent holder of the ETI (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor) drug, which has faced criticism for its high prices and limited global access.

Gayle Pledger

A UK parent who has become a full-time campaigner for affordable cystic fibrosis treatment, working with the Third World Network to help create the generic Triko drug.

Beximco

A Bangladeshi pharmaceutical company that has announced the launch of a generic version of the ETI drug, called Triko, at a significantly reduced cost.

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What they’re saying

“Is my little brother Brett going to die?”

— Grant Leitch

“We must make the drug accessible to patients. Whether through self-funding or lobbying governments, the goal is clear: to ensure that no family has to face the devastating reality of a life-saving treatment being priced out of reach.”

— Gayle Pledger, UK parent and campaigner

What’s next

With the launch of the affordable Triko generic, the focus now shifts to ensuring widespread access and diagnosis, especially in low- and middle-income countries where most undiagnosed CF cases are believed to exist. Advocates and organizations will continue to push for greater affordability and availability of this life-changing treatment.

The takeaway

The introduction of the Triko generic drug represents a major breakthrough in the fight for accessible cystic fibrosis treatment. This development underscores the power of collective action and perseverance by patient advocates, who have refused to accept the status quo of exorbitant prices that price out families in need. The story serves as an inspiring example of how determined communities can drive positive change in global healthcare.