Lindsey Shapiro, PhD, science writer —

Epithelial cells — the protective cells that line the airways — taken from people with cystic fibrosis (CF) exhibited distinct cellular and genetic features in lab cultures depending on whether they were obtained from the upper or lower airways, according to recent research. Those differences corresponded to distinct fluid-secreting…

BX004, an inhaled phage therapy being developed for chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections, led to clinically meaningful improvements in lung function for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with existing lung impairments, according to top-line results from the Phase 2 part of an ongoing Phase 1b/2a clinical trial. The therapy…

The European Commission has expanded the approval of Kaftrio (ivacaftor, tezacaftor, and elexacaftor) in combination with Kalydeco (ivacaftor) to include children ages 2 to 5 with cystic fibrosis (CF) who have at least one F508del mutation in the CFTR gene. Previously cleared to treat patients ages 6 and older…

Bacteria called Streptococcus parasanguinis may help inhibit the harmful effects of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients by modulating inflammation and increasing production of a metabolite called nitrite, recent preclinical research suggests. Previous research has linked these beneficial, or commensal, bacteria to…

More resources are needed to help identify and address education-related concerns among pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, a recent survey of care teams at CF centers in the U.S. shows. While the teams reported they were often involved in some education support — such as filling out forms or…

Freezing and thawing breast milk negatively affected how nutrients are digested under lab conditions mimicking the gastrointestinal environment of an infant with cystic fibrosis (CF), scientists report. The addition of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) at sufficient doses was able to restore more normal fat breakdown under CF…

Dietary factors were associated with measures of glucose tolerance — how well the body processes sugar in the bloodstream — among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients in a recent report. Left uncontrolled, impaired glucose tolerance is associated with the development of CF-related diabetes, or CFRD, where blood sugar levels…

CFTR modulator therapy was associated with increases in fecal levels of the pancreatic elastase-1 enzyme (FE-1), reflecting improved pancreatic function, among young cystic fibrosis (CF) patients in a recent study. A small subset of patients achieved FE-1 levels high enough that they were no longer considered to have…

Researchers from Vertex Pharmaceuticals have been awarded the 2024 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for their work developing CFTR modulator therapies for people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Breakthrough Awards, known as the “Oscars of Science,” are granted to scientists who have made important discoveries in life sciences, fundamental…

A European Medicines Agency (EMA) committee has recommended expanding Kaftrio’s (ivacaftor, tezacaftor, and elexacaftor) label to be used in combination with Kalydeco (ivacaftor) in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) ages 2 to 5 who have at least one F508del mutation in the CFTR gene. The CFTR modulator…