Kilkenny emphysema sufferer calls for funding for life-extending drug

A Kilkenny man who suffers from a genetic form of Emphysema is calling on the Health Minister to intervene after a decision to stop funding a life changing treatment.

Martin Curran has Alpha 1 which is a common lung disorder whereby he gets constant infections due to a protein deficiency.

The National Centre for Pharmaco-economics have decided not to approve funding for the drug anymore as the company who supply it want €84,000 a year per patient.

Martin says the drug can extend life and make it easier for patients.