The EU has granted a licence to extend the use of the cystic fibrosis drug Orkambi to children as young as 6-years-old.

The high price of the drug led to a stand-off between the Government and pharmaceutical company Vertex last year.

Clinical trials have indicated that the drug can slow the progression of the debilitating lung condition and can significantly improve the quality of life of patients.

The stand-off led to significant protests with patients demanding the drug be made available.

The HSE reached an agreement on the 'commercial terms' for supplying Orkambi to patients in Ireland with Vertex in April.

Good news today for CF patients that Orkambi will be available to younger children (aged 6-11) too after EU approval. We ensured this age group was included in our deal reached last year so looking forward to younger Irish children having access soon very soon!

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) January 10, 2018

When the deal was agreed the drug was only licensed to patients of 12-years-old and over, however the EU has now extended permission for its use in patients aged 6 to 11-years-old.

In a statement this morning, Vertex said the deal included its extension to other age groups subject to European authorisation.

The company has pledged to “work closely with the HSE” to ensure younger patients are granted access as soon as possible, adding “we hope it will be made available shortly.”