Miracle drug helps mum-to-be go from possible lung transplant to pregnancy

A Brisbane woman who was facing the possibility of a lung transplant is now excitedly awaiting the birth of her first child after the provision of a ‘miracle’ drug.

In a remarkable turnaround, a Brisbane woman has gone from needing an emergency lung transplant to realising an impossible dream, that of becoming a mother.

For Jessica Bean, who has cystic fibrosis, the provision of a “miracle” drug has not only saved her life but given her the chance of bringing a new life into the world.

That drug is Trikafta, added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in April, and more than 2000 Australians with the life-limiting disease can now access it, without the $250,000 annual price tag.

“It’s an incredible thing, from discussing a lung transplant to thinking about your future being a parent; I can hardly believe it,” said Mrs Bean, 34, who is due to give birth in October.

“Staying alive was my priority and I was so sick I couldn’t carry a child, let alone keep up with a child.”

Cystic fibrosis is Australia’s most common life-shortening chronic genetic illness.

Jessica Bean with her dog Alfie, Teneriffe. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Mrs Bean, who married her high school sweetheart Cameron in 2013, said she was “alive because of science”.

“My parents were prepared I might not live to my teenage years so to be 34 and well and expecting a baby is just a miracle.”

Within days of taking Trikafta, Mrs Bean said her health had improved dramatically.

“I was dancing around my apartment and my lungs were clearer than I had felt for a really long time. Before that, I was in hospital for up to six months of the year and Cameron was my full-time carer; now he has a job in artificial intelligence.”

Cystic Fibrosis Queensland CEO Petrina Fraccaro said Trikafta was a “game changer”.

“Prior to this drug being made available, a person living with cystic fibrosis would be looking at an arduous life of relentless daily medication, physiotherapy, and lung clearance in a bid to avoid exacerbations which slowly, over time, shut down the lungs,” Ms Fraccaro said.

“Many of our members who are taking the drug are, for the first time, experiencing a fullness of breath that other people take for granted.”