THE FAMILY of a Hampshire boy will have to wait months before they hear about whether funding for a breakthrough drug is made.

Jagger Curtis suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy and desperately needs access to a drug called Translarna which could delay the effects of the illness.

Health chiefs from NHS England have said they won’t make a decision to approve the drug until the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has conducted further tests.

Because of the illness the Romsey Abbey Primary School is unlikely to live beyond his 20s or be able to walk beyond 12 years old.

When that happens then Translarna won’t have any effect at all.

But if the seven-year old can get access to the drug soon he could still be able to play football when he leaves school.

Romsey MP, Caroline Nokes, who has been campaigning on behalf of Jagger, said the delay will “lead to devastating consequences to some boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy who are awaiting this drug”.

“We have been repeatedly told in the House of Commons by health ministers and the Prime Minister that a decision would be announced on June 30, two days later we have been told there is still no decision and there will be a further delay.

“Every day the boys suffering with this variant of Duchenne muscular dystrophy have to wait is a day closer to them losing their ability to walk, run and play with their friends.”

James Palmer, NHS England’s clinical director for specialised commissioning, said: “These are really difficult decisions, which is why we rely on NICE wherever possible, and make use of the best available evidence as well as extensive engagement with clinical experts, patient representatives and the public.”