As part of our comprehensive effort to address infections in people with cystic fibrosis, the Infection Research Steering Committee met today to discuss what infection-related research the Foundation should prioritize as part of the Infection Research Initiative. This is the Foundation’s five-year allocation of at least $100 million to improve the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of CF-related infections.
The CF Foundation has already committed more than $85 million to the initiative. As we near our goal, we want to make clear that we will continue to fund any science that we believe holds real promise to address infections.
The Foundation invested in cutting-edge infection research in 2021 to address one of the top priorities for people with CF and clinicians. In addition to 163 academic research awards, we are currently funding 15 industry awards focused on infection, including the following:
- $3.5 million to Pulmocide Limited to develop an inhaled drug to prevent Aspergillus fungal infections in lung transplant recipients
- Up to $2.17 million to Beyond Air® to develop a portable nontuberculous mycobacteria treatment
- Up to $3 million to Kinnear Pharmaceuticals for a broad-spectrum anti-infective that has the potential to treat multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas and other infections
Marking a highlight of our research, we recently received the results of the STOP2 clinical trial that showed that a longer course of IV antibiotics was not more effective than a shorter course in treating pulmonary exacerbations in either rapid or slower responders. Ultimately, this study will help reduce the time people with CF spend on IV antibiotics, hopefully leading to fewer side effects and a lower risk of antibiotic resistance.
We continue to take on important research work. In 2022, the Foundation plans to support the largest ever clinical study for Aspergillus in CF. The study will help us better understand fungal infections in people with CF and create the infrastructure to test future therapies and detection methods.
In addition, we are undertaking bold steps to advance innovative solutions needed to combat the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance:
- Awarding $3 million to Armata Pharmaceuticals to further support the first-ever controlled clinical study of phage therapy in CF. This is in addition to up to $5 million awarded in March 2020. Bacteriophage or “phage” therapy is the use of specialized viruses to treat drug-resistant infections.
- Expressing our support for the PASTEUR Act, bipartisan federal legislation that, if passed, will support the development of new antibiotics and promote appropriate use of existing ones.
To learn more about our infection research priorities, view our portfolio.
