Dear Friend,
As 2021 draws to a close, I want to thank you for your ongoing dedication to our mission. Together, we continue to achieve so much, even in year two of a global pandemic.
Over the past year, we made more progress on our Path to a Cure – the CF Foundation's ambitious initiative to ensure development of new therapies and eventually a cure for all people with CF. We executed 16 new industry contracts through the Path to a Cure, which cover a wide range of new technologies, including mRNA therapies, nonsense mutation therapies, gene therapy, and gene editing.
Recently, we announced our new collaboration with Pioneering Medicines, an initiative of Flagship Pioneering, to accelerate development of transformative therapies and advance our search for a cure for all people with CF, no matter what mutations they have. This collaboration complements the very successful relationship we already have with the Longwood Fund, which includes an incubator fund to incentivize early companies to focus on CF.
Of course, one of the most exciting developments this past year was the FDA approval of Trikafta® for children ages 6 through 11 who have certain mutations. This is a significant step forward in treating the disease at an early age.
Beyond research, we continue to apply the principles of our multidisciplinary care model to support people with CF wherever they are on their journey, with a focus on continuous improvement based on data and evidence. An incredible finding that emerged from our recent patient registry report, data compiled from CF care center patients across the country, is that from 2016 to 2020 – the median predicted survival for a person with CF reached 50 years of age for the first time. That is something to celebrate!
There is perhaps no stronger evidence that your support matters than the fact that people with CF are living longer lives. Yet, we will not be satisfied until every person with CF has the chance to live a life free from the burden of this disease. With your continued support, I am confident that someday we will realize this dream together.
Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season with your loved ones.
With gratitude,
Patrick J. Feeley
Chief Development Officer
