Posts by: Marisa Wexler MS

Marisa Wexler MS

Marisa, a science writer, holds an MS in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. She specializes in cancer biology, immunology, and genetics. Marisa began working with BioNews in 2018, and has written about science and health for SelfHacked and the Genetics Society of America. She also writes/composes musicals and coaches the University of Pittsburgh fencing club.

May 12, 2020May 12, 2020

Gene Therapy, KB407, Seen to Restore CFTR Protein in Cell Studies

cystic fibrosis, News

A potential gene therapy for cystic fibrosis, KB407, is able to induce the expression of normal CFTR protein in cell models of CF, its developer, Krystal Biotech, reports. These ... Read more

May 4, 2020May 4, 2020

CHMP Favors Expanding Kalydeco Label to Include Young Children With R117H Mutation

cystic fibrosis, News

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency has adopted a positive opinion for a label extension of the cystic fibrosis (CF) treatment Kalydeco ... Read more

April 30, 2020April 30, 2020

Vertex Joins with Affinia Therapeutics to Develop Gene Therapies for CF

cystic fibrosis, News

Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced a multiyear partnership with Affinia Therapeutics to develop gene therapies for cystic fibrosis (CF) and other genetic disorders. Gene therapy seeks to replace a malfunctioning gene with a working ... Read more

April 29, 2020April 29, 2020

Orkambi Helps to Promote Glucose Tolerance in CF Patients, Study Finds

cystic fibrosis

Orkambi (ivacaftor/lumacaftor) can improve glucose tolerance in people with cystic fibrosis, a small study in patients either at risk of or newly diagnosed with diabetes suggests. The study, “Effect ... Read more

April 28, 2020April 28, 2020

Estrogen in Birth Control Pills May Affect Bone Health of CF Patients

cystic fibrosis, News

Supplemental estrogen, most commonly taken for contraception, is associated with poorer bone mineral density in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), a new study suggests. The study, “Oral ethinyl estradiol ... Read more

April 27, 2020April 27, 2020

Lung Clearance Index Best Judge of Nighttime Hypoxemia, Study Suggests

cystic fibrosis, News

A measure called the lung clearance index (LCI) can predict low blood oxygen levels during sleep in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) better than conventional assessments of lung function, ... Read more

April 16, 2020April 16, 2020

Case Report Cites IDPN as Nutritional Tool in CF Patients with Kidney Disease

cystic fibrosis, News

Delivering nutrients through dialysis could help people with co-occurring cystic fibrosis (CF) and kidney disease meet their nutritional requirements, a recent case report illustrates. The report, “Intradialytic parenteral nutrition ... Read more

April 7, 2020April 7, 2020

Case Report Describes Unusual CF Symptoms That Made Diagnosis Difficult

cystic fibrosis, News

An unusual clinical presentation can hinder proper diagnosis for people with cystic fibrosis (CF), even with newborn screening, a new case report contends. The report, “Uncommon clinical presentation of ... Read more

March 4, 2020March 4, 2020

Ultrasound Patterns May Predict CF Liver Disease, Study Suggests

cystic fibrosis, News

Liver ultrasounds can help identify children with cystic fibrosis (CF) who are at higher risk of developing liver disease, a new study shows. The study, “Heterogeneous Liver on Research ... Read more

March 2, 2020March 2, 2020

FDA Grants Fast Track Status to Translate Bio’s RNA-Based Therapy MRT5005

News

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted fast track designation to MRT5005, an investigational RNA-based treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF), the therapy’s developer, Translate Bio, has announced. ... Read more