Stanford/Packard Study Finds Potential New Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis

Approximately 16 percent of all lung transplants are due to cystic fibrosis and any hope for preserving lung function in cystic fibrosis patients is always welcome news that we are pleased to report.

3/14/06 News Release
STANFORD, Calif.
A compound that has shown promise in combating some chronic inflammatory diseases may be useful in preserving lung function in cystic fibrosis patients, say researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. The researchers have recently completed a Phase 1 clinical trial of the compound and have begun a Phase 2 clinical trial to test its efficacy in a larger number of patients.

“These people basically destroy their lungs through ongoing inflammation and infection,” said research associate Rabindra Tirouvanziam, PhD, the first author of the study. “We’re optimistic that, with further research, we may be able to inhibit this process.” The findings were published in the early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on March 13.

Cystic fibrosis is the most common disease caused by a recessive gene in Caucasians; about one in 2,500 infants are affected. Although the disorder was formerly fatal in childhood, the expected lifespan of sufferers has been increasing steadily with the advent of new treatments. But the attendant lung inflammation and scarring still results in the loss of three to four percent of lung function every year... full news release