October Update

Featured This Month:

Interested in learning about the latest cystic fibrosis research and care highlights from the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference (NACFC)? Register for our live webinar November 12 at 7 p.m. ET to hear key takeaways from this year’s conference and have an opportunity to ask the experts your questions.

The recordings of most NACFC sessions are now available to watch on our YouTube channel >>

As part of our mission to provide all people with CF the opportunity to live long, healthy lives, we have consistently advocated for improvements in newborn screening for CF. Recently, we reflected on the ongoing progress, including developing recommendation guidelines to improve screening methods within state programs.

Read more about our Newborn Screening advancements >>

Enrollment has started for the BIONIC CF study, which will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of using the insulin-only Bionic Pancreas system to treat cystic fibrosis-related diabetes compared to participants’ usual insulin delivery methods.

The CF Foundation is supporting research to develop transformative therapies that will benefit all people with CF, no matter what mutations they have. Check out the genetic therapies clinical trials that are enrolling now.

The Foundation awarded $3 million to psychiatrist Beth A. Smith, MD, of the University of Buffalo, to evaluate the prevalence of mental health concerns in children with CF. The study, which launched over the summer and is still enrolling, also aims to identify the best ways to screen for mental health issues and describe the problems that are most often seen in children who are taking modulators.

In the U.S., more than 10,000 people with CF experience food insecurity, according to current estimates. The Foundation recently funded and co-authored a study in the journal Pediatric Pulmonology that explored food insecurity in the cystic fibrosis community. If you are having problems with food insecurity, a CF Foundation Compass case manager can help connect you to resources. You can call 844-COMPASS (844-266-7277), email [email protected], or submit an online request form.

At NACFC in September, the Foundation met with leading scientists in infection research to discuss our infection research approach and areas of focus. One of our key strategies is pursuing new drug candidates that can work to eliminate chronic bacterial infections in the lungs. Many of these types of therapies focus on biofilms or similar biology that applies to both common and less common — but problematic — infections. To learn more about Foundation-funded infection research, visit our newly revised Research Into Infections web page. To find enrolling trials in anti-infectives, visit our Clinical Trial Finder.

CF Circles provides a space for adults with cystic fibrosis to gather virtually for hour-long small group discussions with people who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of living with CF. Upcoming sessions will focus on:

Choosing the health insurance coverage needed for CF care can be a challenge, especially when it comes to understanding which specialty medications will be covered by a new plan. To prepare for open enrollment, Navigating CF includes videos and a toolkit designed to help you understand the basics of health insurance, what options are available, and how to make sure your CF care is covered. For questions, call 844-COMPASS (844-266-7277), email [email protected], or submit an online request form.