A NORTH Swindon man can breathe again, after receiving a “life-changing” drug.

Doctors diagnosed Daniel Bodio with cystic fibrosis when he was just two months old.

Now 34, the design manager faced an uncertain future. His parents, Bruce and Beverley, fought for him to receive a potentially “life-changing” drug, Orkambi.

They said that the drug, which has been licensed for use in the Republic of Ireland, would stop the damage to their son’s lungs – and potentially save his life.

Their hopes came despite a recommendation from government drugs body NICE that Orkambi should not be used to treat cystic fibrosis, following fears that it was not cost-effective.

For Daniel, matters came to a head in early summer. His doctors at Southampton told him that he would need a lung transplant, after tests showed his lungs were functioning at just 25 per cent of healthy capacity.

Unknown to Daniel and his family, the Southampton doctors also put him forward to receive Orkambi on compassionate grounds.

In July, he began taking the drug – which has been credited with keeping infected lungs clear of mucus and reducing the risk of infection.

Daniel, who is married, told the Mail on Sunday: “I’m coughing less and sleeping better. I’d lost weight due to illness, but that has come back. I can now do all the little things that other people take for granted, like going upstairs without getting breathless.”

Dad Bruce, 59, said: “It’s a life changing drug. Daniel’s feeling and looking a lot better. What Orkambi has done for him is given him the opportunity to look forward to the future.”

Orkambi manufacturer Vertex are understood to be in further discussions with NHS England and NICE over prescribing the drug.

However, campaigners Cystic Fibrosis Trust have told their supporters that they need to keep pressure on the NHS chiefs.

James Barrow, head of external affairs at the charity, said: “If a deal between the government and drug manufacturer over the price of Orkambi is not reached soon we fear people will run out of time.”

Dad Bruce Bodio added: “It’s very good that Daniel’s got Orkambi – and it’s just a shame that NICE won’t give that to the other 3,500 patients who need it.”