Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

FDA Approves Trikafta to Treat Children Starting at Age 6

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved expanding the use of Trikafta (elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor) to children with cystic fibrosis (CF), ages 6 and older, who have at least one F508del mutation in the CFTR gene or a CFTR mutation that responds to Trikafta in laboratory studies. Use of…

New Cell Research Model Shows Promise Against P. Aeruginosa

A combination of bacteria-infecting viruses and antibiotics can be used to effectively protect lung cells against infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria that commonly causes lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), according to a study led by researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE). The model…

CF Foundation Funds Three New Research Projects

As part of its Path to a Cure initiative, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation announced three new awards to fund research projects that seek to advance the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). The largest award, of up to $2.6 million, was given to Eloxx Pharmaceuticals to aid in the…

Vertex, Concert Strike Deal on Investigational Therapy VX-561

Vertex Pharmaceuticals has made a $32 million purchase from Concert Pharmaceuticals related to future milestones from the 2017 agreement when Vertex purchased Concert’s investigational treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF), VX-561. According to Roger Tung, PhD, Concert’s president and CEO, the purchase will help Concert as it continues…

MS1819 Plus PERT Aids Digestion in People With Severe EPI, Trial Indicates

Combining AzurRx BioPharma‘s investigational therapy MS1819 with standard pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) can improve fat absorption in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), interim data from a Phase 2 clinical trial indicate. “The overarching goal of our MS1819 program is to provide a safe and…

CF Patients Cite Barriers to Physical Activity

People with cystic fibrosis (CF) experience many barriers that limit their participation in physical activity, ranging from a lack of energy to low motivation to self-consciousness, a recent study highlights. A “tentative but important finding” from the study is that people with CF generally prefer at-home exercise over going…

PDE4 Inhibitors May Help Treat CF, Dry Mouth

Blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) may be useful in the treatment of dry mouth and cystic fibrosis (CF), new preclinical research suggests. The study, “Inhibition of cAMP-Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) Induces Salivation in Mice,” is being presented virtually at the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental…