Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Announces $500 Million Path to a Cure Research Project

On Oct. 30, 2019, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation launched its $500-million research project, Path to a Cure, which will seek to deliver treatments for the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF) through submitted proposals from potential collaborators.

According to a press release, the project will focus on certain strategies to address the underlying cause of CF. The strategies include repairing and restoring protein production by the CFTR gene, which will increase fluid at the cell surface and reduce the mucus that affects the lungs and other organs in people with CF. Another strategy involves targeting the root cause of the disease, which will involve genetic-based therapies.

“We firmly believe that our most important and challenging work is still ahead,” said Michael P. Boyle, MD, senior vice-president of therapeutics development at the CF Foundation, in the press release. “We see an unprecedented opportunity to identify and advance treatments for the underlying cause of CF and deliver a cure for every person with the disease and will use every tool available to advance the research that will get us there.”

“The Foundation has played a critical role in steering CF discovery and development toward the most promising opportunities and clearing obstacles to progress,” added William Skach, MD, senior vice-president of research affairs at the CF Foundation, in the press release. “With the Path to a Cure, we seek to partner with top innovators from around the world in order to deliver the next generation of transformative breakthroughs in CF, accelerate treatments for individuals with the greatest need, and progress toward our goal of a cure for all.”

Source: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation