Second person dies after emphysema 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, writes Catherine Shanahan.

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.