News

Vertex Planning Phase 3 Trials in New Triple Combo Therapy for CF

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is initiating two Phase 3 clinical trials into the safety and efficacy of a potentially new, next-generation triple combination therapy for cystic fibrosis (CF): VX-121 plus tezacaftor and VX-561 (deutivacaftor). Expected to begin later this year, the development program will compare this once-daily therapy with Vertex’s…

Relatives with CF Can Be Source of MRSA Transmission, Study Finds

Among people with cystic fibrosis (CF), antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is sometimes transmitted among relatives, but rarely in healthcare settings, an analysis of patients at a CF center in Iowa suggested. Findings also indicate that distinct subsets of S. aureus may be associated with differences in disease progression. These results were in the…

Online Art, Music and Exercise Programs Win CFF Impact Grants

This year’s Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) Impact Grants will support three new virtual programs that support the well-being of people of all ages living with cystic fibrosis (CF). These winning projects range from a virtual video performance with tailored songs for hospitalized children with CF, to online exercise classes for teenagers,…

CF Survey: Educational Info About Cannabis, CBD Lacking

Assessment, documentation, and education regarding cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) use among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients varies across centers in the U.S., according to a survey of nearly 300 CF healthcare providers. This variability may be related partially to the different laws between U.S. states regarding these controversial substances, the…

ASO for Splicing Mutation Restores CFTR Protein in Patient Cell Study

SPL84-23, an investigational antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), restored the levels and function of CFTR — the defective protein in cystic fibrosis (CF) — in lab-grown cells from patients carrying a common and disease-causing splicing mutation, a study reported. Based on these positive preclinical findings, SpliSense plans to launch a Phase 1/2…

Partnership Aims to Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs for Rare Disease Meds

AllianceRx Walgreens Prime, a specialty and home delivery pharmacy, is partnering with TailorMed, a healthcare technology company, to help lower out-of-pocket prescription costs for specialty pharmacy patients. Medications attained through specialty pharmacies are those used to treat rare and chronic conditions in the U.S., and are often extremely costly. For…

Study Describes New Compound for Nonsense Mutations

A novel compound that may hold promise for treating the roughly 11% of cases of cystic fibrosis (CF) that are caused by nonsense mutations has been described in a new study. The study, “A small molecule that induces translational readthrough of CFTR nonsense mutations by eRF1…

Work in Progress on Challenges of Minority Representation in CF Trials

Proper representation in clinical trials has long been a challenge for minorities with rare diseases like cystic fibrosis (CF), risking — and often leading to — inequities in care and fewer effective treatments for these patients. To this end, members of the CF community, including patients, researchers, physicians, and…