A FAMILY from Longhope are rejoicing after it was announced that a life-changing drug was planned to be approved for NHS funding.

Archie, 14, and 12-year-old brother Isaac Eaton are both affected by Morquio syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes serious mobility issues.

Those affected by the syndrome do not have an enzyme which most people do, severely affecting their quality of life.

However, in 2008 Archie and Isaac started on a clinical trial for a new drug treatment.

The pair’s regular infusions of Vimizim enabled them to live an active life.

But in May of this year BioMarin, the company that developed the drug and provided it free on compassionate grounds to patients on the trial for almost a year, withdrew the treatment.

The boy’s mother Anna wrote to Prime Minister David Cameron urging him to support the campaign to get the drug approved.

And it finally appears that the battle has been won – much to the relief of Anna, dad Dave and the two Dene Magna students.

“We are delighted; it’s fabulous news,” Anna said.

“It’s not absolutely final until December 16, but the only reason it wouldn’t be approved is if someone feels it’s too expensive which we aren’t expecting.”

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