Research into cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes the mucus in the body to become very thick and sticky. This can cause chronic lung infections and multiple digestive disorders.

In the 1960s the life expectancy for a child with cystic fibrosis was only about ten years. But now thanks to research and advancements in treatments the average life expectancy is now thirty seven years.

Cystic fibrosis was first documented in 1938. This comprehensive medical report was authored by Dorothy Anderson, M.D. But it wasnt until 1953 that doctors in New York City could see the connection between the loss of salt in a person with cystic fibrosis and the diseases underlying problem.

In 1955, the first research grants were awarded to the newly founded National CF Research Foundation. The search for a cure for cystic fibrosis has now begun.

By the year 1962, there was a total of thirty Cystic Fibrosis Foundation accredited care centers across the United States. By the year 1978 this number has grown to over one hundred accredited care centers.

In 1989, a breakthrough in cystic fibrosis research occurred. Researchers discovered the defective gene and its protein product that is responsible for cystic fibrosis. Now that this gene is discovered, major advancements can be made in the treatments of cystic fibrosis.

Gene therapy trials were conducted on people with cystic fibrosis with great results. In 1994, the FDA approved a drug called Pulmozyme. This drug is proven to thin the mucus in the lungs. This is the first drug developed especially for people with cystic fibrosis.

As we continue on to the year 1997, another very important drug is approved. This is a drug called TOBI, and it is the first aerosolized antibiotic that is designed to help reduce hospital stays and improve lung functions in those with cystic fibrosis.

As advancement in technology continues, scientists are able to determine the three dimensional structure of a portion of the CFTR protein. This opens a whole new set of doors for the treatment and eventual cure of cystic fibrosis.

In recent years, scientists have been able to prove that the root cause of cystic fibrosis can be treated. Clinical trials are being conducted that showed marked improvement in those individuals with cystic fibrosis. The reason for this improvement is the development of a compound called VX-770. This drug addresses the root cause of cystic fibrosis by helping the defective CF protein move to its proper place in the cell.

There are now more than thirty potential therapies in the drug pipeline for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Clinical trials are being performed every day on people with cystic fibrosis with great success. As research continues, a cure for cystic fibrosis is in sight.

RESOURCES

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: The Science of Adding Tomorrows

Cystic Fibrosis Research

McGill University: Two Steps Ahead in Cystic Fibrosis Research

Scripps Research Institute: Cystic Fibrosis REsearch

University of North Carolina School of medicine: Welcome to the cystic Fibrosis and Pulmonary Diseases and Research Center