Drug approved for rare genetic disorder PKU a decade after State refused to reimburse it

A drug shown to significantly improve quality of life and mental function for people with a rare genetic disorder will finally be available in Ireland from next Monday, a decade after the State first refused to reimburse it.

Kuvan, the first drug developed to treat a metabolic disorder known as PKU, will be available to those who benefit from taking it. The move, announced on International PKU Day, has been described as a “massive breakthrough” by members of the PKU Association of Ireland.