As part of our comprehensive focus on fighting infections, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation today announced more than $2.7 million to support 11 laboratory studies that will explore the underlying factors that could impact COVID-19 outcomes in people with cystic fibrosis. Ultimately, insights gained from this body of research may be used to improve future treatments.
This research is just one example of the many studies funded through our Infection Research Initiative, a five-year commitment to invest at least $100 million to improve the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of CF-related infections.
The Foundation already has committed more than $79 million to the initiative, and we will continue to fund any science that we believe holds real promise to address infections. In addition to $41 million in academic research awards, we are currently funding 17 industry awards focused on infection, including several targeting specific types of bacteria:
- Up to $3.3 million to Polyphor to develop an inhaled version of antibiotic to treat Pseudomonas
- Up to $3.75 million to Matinas BioPharma to develop an oral version of antibiotic for NTM infections
- Nearly $700,000 to Calibr to screen for potential B. cepacia therapy
Last month, we held the first in a series of fungal research workshops, which brought together leading experts to discuss the state of the science in CF airway fungal infections, the lessons learned from clinical trials, and the possible approaches to address fungal infections. The fungal workshop series will continue through 2021 with the ultimate goal of designing a study to help address Aspergillus infections in people with CF.
We are undertaking bold steps to advance innovative solutions needed to combat the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance:
- Awarding up to $5 million to Armata Pharmaceuticals for the first-ever controlled clinical study of bacteriophage therapy in CF. Bacteriophage or “phage” therapy is the use of specialized viruses to treat drug-resistant infections.
- Directing up to $5.6 million to Microbion Corp. to develop a novel, inhaled antibiotic to treat drug-resistant infections.
- Engaging with Congress and other policymakers and industry leaders on solutions to promote a healthy pipeline of antibiotics.
Our CEO, Dr. Michael Boyle, discussed the state of the antibiotic pipeline at the global launch of the $1 billion AMR (Antimicrobial Research) Action Fund and at the Milken Institute Future of Health Summit.
