22 April 2016 - A break-through drug heralded to dramatically reduce the impacts of cystic fibrosis will not be added to Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, a move advocates have criticised.

The drug, Orkambi, is made by manufacturer Vertex and is the first available that treats the faulty proteins typical of cystic fibrosis sufferers.

Doctors say the drug is one of the most effective medicines available to reverse the impacts of the disease, but Australia's Health Department says the drug is too expensive and its benefits are not clear.

Trials were conducted at nine clinics in Australia before the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee considered subsidising the drug.

For more details, go to: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/04/22/breakthrough-cystic-fibrosis-drug-rejected-australian-authorities