Posts by: Forest Ray

Forest Ray

Forest Ray received his PhD in systems biology from Columbia University, where he developed tools to match drug side effects to other diseases. He has since worked as a journalist and science writer, covering topics from rare diseases to the intersection between environmental science and social justice. He currently lives in Long Beach, California.

October 8, 2020October 9, 2020

Tobacco Smoke Exposure Limits Symdeko Benefit in Pediatric CF Patients

cystic fibrosis, News

Exposure to tobacco smoke limits the medicinal benefit of Symdeko (tezacaftor/ivacaftor combo) in young patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), according to a recent study. This finding suggests that smoking ... Read more

September 30, 2020September 30, 2020

Study: Screening for Hearing Loss in CF Patients Feasible With Tablet-based Tests

cystic fibrosis, News

Tablet-based hearing tests can accurately screen for hearing loss in people with chronic lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF) without specialist supervision, according to a recent study. This ... Read more

September 29, 2020September 29, 2020

Potential Gene Therapy, SPIRO-2101, Named Rare Pediatric and Orphan Disease by FDA

cystic fibrosis, News

Spirovant Sciences‘ lead gene therapy candidate for select cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, SPIRO-2101, was given rare pediatric disease and orphan drug designations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ... Read more

September 23, 2020September 23, 2020

Antibody Evident in Airways of CF Patients Tied to P. aeruginosa Colonization

cystic fibrosis

The airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients show unusual levels of an antibody called BPI-ANCA, and they correlate with the amount of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria found in their sputum, according to ... Read more

September 18, 2020September 18, 2020

Moderna, Vertex Team Up to Develop Gene-editing Delivery Techniques

cystic fibrosis, News

Moderna Therapeutics and Vertex Pharmaceuticals have entered a three-year research and licensing agreement aimed at developing gene-editing delivery techniques for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). While Moderna will ... Read more

September 10, 2020September 10, 2020

Aridis, FDA Agree to Simplify AR-501 Trial Design Based on Positive Safety Data

cystic fibrosis, News

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed to simplify Aridis Pharmaceuticals‘ planned Phase 2 trial of AR-501, an investigational inhaled treatment for chronic lung infections in patients with cystic ... Read more

September 9, 2020September 9, 2020

Savara Closing Trial of Molgradex in Treating NTM Lung Infections in CF Patients

cystic fibrosis, News

Savara Pharmaceuticals is stopping its Phase 2a exploratory clinical study of Molgradex (molgramostim nebulizer solution) to treat nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung infection in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), the company announced in a press release. The decision ... Read more

August 31, 2020August 31, 2020

Same But Different Photo Contest Celebrates People With Rare Diseases

cystic fibrosis, News, syndicated

Same But Different, a U.K. nonprofit that uses the arts to bring communities together, is holding a calendar photography competition to raise awareness for rare diseases. Under the theme ... Read more

August 31, 2020August 31, 2020

UK Registry Finds CF Community Living Longer, Becoming More Diverse

cystic fibrosis, News

People with cystic fibrosis (CF) in the U.K. have grown more numerous, older, and more diverse, according to the U.K. Cystic Fibrosis Registry’s annual data report for 2019. The ... Read more

August 25, 2020August 25, 2020

Xperiome Platform Aims to Streamline Searches for Rare Diseases, Gain Patient Input

News, syndicated

Raremark, an online rare disease patient community, has launched a digital platform called Xperiome, aimed at streamlining the search for new medicines for rare disorders and incorporating more patient ... Read more