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In a new study entitled “Ultrasound echo-intensity predicts severe pancreatic affection in cystic fibrosis patients,” the authors suggest ultrasonography is a suitable and effective diagnostic tool to evaluate pancreatic function in cystic fibrosis patients. The findings could help physicians better diagnose and treat the pancreatic issues and…

As a chronic disease that causes difficulties in breathing, persistent coughing, thick mucus and wheezing, most patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) struggle to manage the symptoms, often making exercise extremely difficult. 23 year-old Crystal Park, however, decided to take control of her body and the disease and, despite the difficulties,…

Branching mini-lung. Credit: Nick Hannan, University of Cambridge The creation of a pair of mini-lungs was successfully completed by a group of investigators at the University of Cambridge and may revolutionize the treatment of conditions that affect the pulmonary system. The mini-lungs were created as part of a…

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. recently presented preliminary study results of FDA-approved Kalydeco for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in combination with an investigational drug. Despite the fact that the combined therapy helped improve breathing in CF patients, the outcomes were less significant than expected by analysts, which disappointed investors. Vertex conducted…

Anthera Pharmaceuticals recently announced that it received a $3 million award from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics to support both the manufacturing and clinical development of Sollpura™ (liprotamase), Anthera’s new pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics is an affiliate of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a non-profit organization. Anthera Pharmaceuticals is a…

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated recently received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration for Kalydeco® (ivacaftor) to treat children aged between 2 and 5 who suffer with cystic fibrosis (CF) and carry specific mutations in the CFTR gene. Children who carry one of ten different mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, including G551D,…

It is time to celebrate more birthdays. Patients with cystic fibrosis, an orphan disease affecting fewer than 200,000 individuals throughout the world, are experiencing an increase in longevity. Estimates from a study out of Queen’s University Belfast in the United Kingdom predicts a nearly 80% increase by the year 2025…