News

Phase 1 Trial of ARCT-032 RNA Therapy for CF Cleared to Start

A Phase 1 trial of ARCT-032, an inhaled experimental treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF), has been cleared to start in New Zealand. Developed by Arcturus Therapeutics, ARCT-032 contains the messenger RNA (mRNA) that provides instructions for lung cells to produce the CFTR protein, restoring its activity. Mutations in…

Trikafta Boosts Glucose Tolerance in CF Adults in Small Study

At least three months of using the triple combination therapy Trikafta (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor) significantly increased glucose tolerance — reflecting better control of blood sugar levels — in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF), a small study found. Production of insulin, the hormone that helps clear glucose from the bloodstream, wasn’t…

CFTR Mutations Impair SARS-CoV-2 Virus, Study Finds

CFTR gene mutations — the cause of cystic fibrosis (CF) — significantly reduce the cell entry and replication of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, a new study reports. This protective effect was due to the link between the CFTR protein channel and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), a protein…

CFTR Modulators Found to Improve Antibiotic Efficacy in CF: Study

CFTR modulators, approved therapies to treat cystic fibrosis (CF), showed antibacterial activity and enhanced the efficacy of some antibiotics against bacterial species commonly found in CF airways, according to a new study. “Additive effects or synergies were observed between the CFTR modulators and antibiotics against [two common] species” of…