News

Neutrophil cell subtype tied to lung function decline in stable CF

Lung function decline in adults with stable cystic fibrosis (CF) was tied to high numbers of mature low-density neutrophils, a white blood cell subtype associated with inflammatory disorders, a study suggests. While previous research showed that low-density neutrophils in CF children correlated with better lung function, the changes found…

Complete antibiotic coverage used mostly for polymicrobial infections

Pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) caused by multiple bacteria (polymicrobial) are generally treated with antibiotics that cover all the bacteria detected, a study reported. Whether this strategy is associated with better clinical outcomes than using antibiotics that cover only some of the detected bacteria remains to…

Orkambi seems to reduce CF lung damage in preschool-age children

In a small clinical trial, Orkambi (lumacaftor/ivacaftor) appeared to reduce structural damage in the lungs, as measured by a chest MRI, for preschool-age children with cystic fibrosis (CF) who are homozygous for the F508del mutation. “This study suggests that [Orkambi] may modify CF disease progression when administered early…

New nanoparticles may correct genetic defects in lungs

Researchers are developing new inhalable nanoparticles designed to deliver RNA-based gene-editing therapeutics directly to the lungs, a study reports. Now shown to be effective in mice, the ultimate goal is to develop inhaled therapeutics to correct genetic defects in conditions affecting the lungs, such as cystic fibrosis (CF). “This…

Study delves into how CFTR changes its shape to be effective

Small changes in the shape of CFTR, the protein defective or absent in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), opened its gate outside the cell to allow the flow of chloride ions, a study reported. CF-causing mutations that suppress CFTR function disrupt these long-distance shape changes. By comparison, CFTR potentiator…

Trikafta rapidly improves lung function in real-world study

Trikafta significantly improved the lung function of cystic fibrosis patients after only two weeks of treatment, with the benefits sustained after nearly four months, according to real-world data from a single center in Austria. “Early LCI [lung clearance index] measurements can help to assess the patient’s response to this…