Second person dies after drug withheld

The HSE has agreed to cover the administration costs of a therapy known to slow the progression of genetic emphysema — after a second patient with the condition died.

Marion Kelly, 53, a grandmother from Nenagh, Co Tipperary, died on Friday, two weeks after the death of Anna Cassidy, from Co Donegal. Both women had been on Respreeza for 11 years prior to October 31.

However, for the past month, none of the 21 patients with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency have been able to access it because of a row between the HSE and manufacturer CSL Behring over who should pay the administration fee.