League Member Takes Action to Expedite Approval of Drug for Friedreich’s Ataxia Patients
Alessandro Corbetta, group leader of the League in the regional council, has taken swift action in response to the heartbreaking story of Alessia Corvaia, a 22-year-old girl from Nova Milanese battling Friedreich’s Ataxia. This progressive and debilitating disease affects the nervous system and organs, and Alessia has been fighting it for seven years.
Corbetta, moved by Alessia’s plight, reached out to the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) to expedite the approval process for Omaveloxolone, a drug approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of Friedreich’s Ataxia. This drug, sold under the brand name Skyclarys, has shown remarkable results in the United States, where it has helped improve the quality of life for patients with the disease.
Alessia’s mother, Katia, has been advocating for the approval of the drug in Italy, where it is not currently distributed by the national health system. The high cost of the medication, approximately 30 thousand euros per month, makes it unattainable for patients like Alessia without government support.
Recent developments in Alessia’s condition have underscored the urgency of the situation, with her pain and symptoms worsening. Katia’s plea to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for intervention highlights the critical need for timely access to life-changing medication for Friedreich’s Ataxia patients in Italy.
As the Corvaia family continues to fight for Alessia’s well-being, they also advocate for other children battling the disease who are eagerly awaiting access to Omaveloxolone. The potential of this drug to improve their quality of life and provide hope for the future cannot be understated.
Corbetta’s efforts to expedite the approval of Omaveloxolone demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of Friedreich’s Ataxia patients in Italy, and his actions serve as a beacon of hope for those in need of life-saving medication. The Corvaia family’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity are a reminder of the power of advocacy and unity in the fight against rare diseases.