The real-world impact of ETI on prescribing patterns, clinical outcomes, and healthcare utilization for PwCF living in British Columbia

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a leading genetic disease in Canada, particularly prevalent in British Columbia. The treatment of CF is complex, requiring multiple medications and therapies. The recent introduction of Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (ETI), marketed as Trikafta®, has shown significant potential in improving lung function and quality of life for People with CF (PwCF). However, as PwCF experience symptom relief from ETI, many reduce or discontinue traditional inhaled therapies. The potential risks associated with stopping these established treatments are not well understood. 

This study will evaluate the impact of ETI therapy on medication use, lung function, and healthcare costs among PwCF in British Columbia. By analyzing connected health data, the study will compare outcomes for PwCF before and after starting ETI, as well as against non-eligible CF patients and healthy individuals. This research addresses a critical knowledge gap regarding the safety and implications of reducing or discontinuing older therapies in favor of ETI, with a focus on the long-term effects on health outcomes and healthcare costs.