cystic fibrosis

Computer-designed Enzyme May Help to Kill P. aeruginosa in Biofilms

An enzyme produced using computer design, in combination with the antibiotic tobramycin, efficiently kills Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogen that often infects the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), a study shows. It works to neutralize a metabolite called pyocyanin, required by P. aeruginosa to attach to surfaces…

P. aeruginosa Resistance May Be Measure of Ability to Hijack CF Mucus

Pel, a complex sugar molecule produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, contributes to the bacterium’s ability to aggregate and resist both antibiotics and mucus thinners in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) by binding to an abundant component of their thick mucus, a study reports. These findings shed light on the underlying mechanisms of the…

Pravibismane, Potential New Antimicrobial Class, Gets 2nd CFF Grant

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has given an additional $1.8 million to support early toxicology studies of pravibismane, Microbion’s investigational inhaled therapy for lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis (CF).  Data from these early toxicology studies, expected to conclude by mid-year, could support regulatory requests to…

Research Examines CF Patients’ Susceptibility to COVID-19

Researchers have developed a patient-derived model of cystic fibrosis (CF) to better understand whether these patients are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection and its associated serious complications. The project is being led by Ruobing “Ruby” Wang, MD, who cares for CF patients in the division of pulmonary medicine…