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
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Cystic Fibrosis” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Cystic Fibrosis
- An imaging pitfall: misdiagnosis of pulmonary embolism in a patient with advanced cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasison January 26, 2023 at 6:01 pm
A 37-year-old woman presented to our emergency room reporting chest pain and palpitations which had woken her up in the early hours of the morning. She was known to be homozygous for a rare and severe ...
- Cystic fibrosis patients face need for double lung transplanton January 25, 2023 at 6:01 pm
An estimated 35,000 people in the United States are affected by cystic fibrosis, or CF, a genetic disorder that causes problems with breath and digestion and often leads to the need for a double lung ...
- New Drug Cocktail For Cystic Fibrosis Being Tested; Action Needed To Tackle Antibiotic Shortageson January 25, 2023 at 6:00 am
(Van Beusekom, 1/24) Pliant Therapeutics said Sunday that an experimental pill significantly improved lung function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, a deadly lung disease with ...
- HEALTH MATTERS: Medical therapy for cystic fibrosis is much improvedon January 24, 2023 at 11:48 pm
Q. A friend of mine has a child who has cystic fibrosis. I understand that this is a serious disease, but I don't know much about it. Can you enlighten me? A. Sure. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited ...
- Cystic Fibrosis Therapeutics Market 2023 : Top Manufacturers, Key Trends, Progression Status and Business Trends to 2028on January 24, 2023 at 4:50 pm
Cystic Fibrosis Therapeutics Market Size is projected to Reach Multimillion USD by 2029, In comparison to 2022, ...
- Trial begins for bacteriophage cocktail in cystic fibrosis patientson January 24, 2023 at 12:33 pm
The trial is evaluating whether a bacteriophage cocktail can safely reduce a bacterium that causes lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
- Cystic fibrosis living cost more than £6,500, Bristol research sayson January 24, 2023 at 7:58 am
The University of Bristol and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust carried out the research. The trust said "there is a desperate need for action". Families with cystic fibrosis were found to be more likely to ...
- New report shows living with Cystic Fibrosis comes with £6.5k price tag each yearon January 24, 2023 at 12:50 am
At a time of financial strain, a new report* published today (Tuesday 24 January) by The University of Bristol (UOB) and Cystic Fibrosis Trust shows the additional median extra cost of having the life ...
- Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Market Size, Data Analysis and Growth Dynamics 2023 to 2029 | Actavis, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Gilead Sciences, Novartison January 23, 2023 at 4:36 pm
The latest survey report titled Global Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Market Outllok From 2023 to 2029 explains the enormous scope of the market. MarketsandResearch.biz recently finished its research for ...
- Mum's push for cystic fibrosis treatment to be subsidised for children under 12on January 22, 2023 at 6:25 pm
Four-year-old Mila's day is full of intense therapy and medication, as she has cystic fibrosis. A new medication would vastly improve her quality of life in the near future, but it's only subsidised ...
via Bing News
