via Queen’s University Belfast
Scientists at Queen’s University Belfast have discovered a new molecule which has the potential to prolong the life of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF).
The molecule represents a possible future treatment and works by altering cellular ion channels resulting in improved airway hydration and significantly increased mucus clearance.
For individuals with CF, normal airway clearance mechanisms which keep the lungs free of infection are defective. As a result, a build-up of mucus occurs and predisposes the individual to chronic bacterial infection. The ensuing cycles of chronic infection and airway inflammation cause progressive destruction of the airways, which is ultimately fatal.
The innovative approach could reduce the frequency of these infections through a novel protease inhibitor which prevents activation of the epithelial sodium channel; ENaC.
The research involved a team of scientists from Queen’s University alongside colleagues at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the University of North Carolina, and was funded by The Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Speaking about the breakthrough, Dr Lorraine Martin from the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast, said: “This is an important finding which could provide a novel therapeutic opportunity relevant to all individuals with CF, as the targeting of ENaC is independent of their underlying CF mutation. This strategy could prevent the significant lung damage that results from chronic cycles of infection and inflammation, with potential impact on quality of life as well as life expectancy. This is a further example of Queen’s University’s research advancing knowledge and changing lives.”
Ed Owen, Chief Executive at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “We are thrilled with these initial findings and are excited to see how the next stage of preclinical testing progresses. We are pleased to have been able to fund this world class project at its early stage and welcome the drug development programme planned over the coming years. Research is the biggest single area of investment for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and it’s wonderful to see projects like this making such positive progress in our fight for a life unlimited.”
Currently available pharmacological alternatives are only suitable for a small subset of patients depending on the disease-causing genetic mutation.
Learn more: QUEEN’S SCIENTISTS DEVELOP NEW TREATMENT TO PROLONG LIFE OF THOSE WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS
The Latest on: Cystic Fibrosis
via Google News
The Latest on: Cystic Fibrosis
- Transforming the lives of people with Cystic Fibrosison September 2, 2021 at 9:44 am
A Queen’s University research team have transformed the lives of thousands of people with Cystic Fibrosis by leading on the clinical development of treatments that address the underlying genetic ...
- Tyrone dad set to run in London Marathon nears £300k milestone for cystic fibrosis researchon September 2, 2021 at 5:33 am
Co Tyrone dad Liam McHugh has raised nearly £300,000 for cystic fibrosis (CF) research in the last 28 years, and he’s keen to hit the monumental milestone come October 3 in the London Marathon.
- Triple Combination CFTR Modulators for Cystic Fibrosison September 2, 2021 at 2:40 am
The cystic fibrosis (CF) market is expected to grow from $8.2bn in 2020 to $12.7bn in 2030 in the seven major markets (7MM*) at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%, according to GlobalData.
- ABC 25 Local Lifestyles: North Park Shopping Center Cystic Fibrosis fundraiseron September 1, 2021 at 12:05 pm
Visit the post for more.
- Insurance denies Halifax man a life-changing drug for his cystic fibrosison August 30, 2021 at 2:02 pm
Stefan Strecko has been living with cystic fibrosis (CF) for his whole life, so when a new life-changing drug was approved by Health Canada in June, he was excited about the possibilities. “Trikafta ...
- IU-led Study Helps Cystic Fibrosis Patients Lighten Treatment Loadon August 30, 2021 at 8:46 am
The amount of time each day that Carmel resident Abbie Vollmar spends on her at-home treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF) is “intense.” For people with the life-threatening disorder that damages the lu ...
- Cystic Fibrosis - Global Drug Forecast and Market Analysis to 2030on August 30, 2021 at 7:05 am
Summary Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by pancreatic insufficiency and chronic endobronchial airway infection. The disease is caused by mutations in the CF ...
- Cystic fibrosis Australia: Emmah Money wants defies odds to become mother-of-twoon August 28, 2021 at 4:14 am
An Australian woman who was told she would never have children due to her crippling lung condition has defied doctors' predictions to become a mother-of-two.
- Carmel man raffles Pappy Van Winkle to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Foundationon August 21, 2021 at 7:20 am
An Indiana dad is raffling off his personal bourbon collection to help his 2-year-old son battling Cystic Fibrosis.For the price of a $100 raffle ticket, someone will win a five-bottle collection of ...
- Cystic Fibrosis patients, advocates urge Ontario government to provide ‘miracle drug’ fundingon August 20, 2021 at 3:55 pm
2:16 Cystic Fibrosis patient urges Ontario government to fund life-saving drug An Ontario teen living with Cystic Fibrosis and her mother are hoping to shine a light on the urgent need for a ...
via Bing News
