Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is an incurable hereditary disorder that causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the pancreas and the lungs, leading to problems with breathing and digestion, infection, and ultimately, death. Three decades ago most babies born with cystic fibrosis died in early childhood, but advances in diagnosing and treating the disease have significantly improved its outcomes. Today more than 60 percent of babies born with cystic fibrosis reach adulthood, and …

…cells of patients with cystic fibrosis. Scientists hope that once inside the cells, healthy copies of the gene will make functional CFTR protein. Therefore allowing the flow of chloride into and out of cells in affected organs and return healthy function. This is just one of many new treatment plans being looked into. Research provides the cystic fibrosis community with hope that treatments that are more effective and possibly a cure may soon be discovered.