INFECTION RESEARCH UPDATE

Our Infection Research Initiative hit a significant milestone recently as we surpassed our $100 million goal in funding important infection research. As part of our ongoing commitment to fighting infections, we have not slowed our pace in funding and have already made several awards this year:

• Up to $3.5 million to Arrevus Inc. to test a potential treatment for pulmonary exacerbations in people with CF in a late phase clinical trial                              
• Up to $5 million to BiomX Inc. to conduct a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial to test the safety and tolerability of bacteriophage (phage therapy) in treating Pseudomonas infections in people living with CF
• $1 million to Felix Biotechnology to develop a novel phage therapy approach to treat chronic Pseudomonas infections
• Multiple awards to support preclinical work for the testing of potential treatments for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and for other drug-resistant bacteria

Phage Therapy

In addition to funding BiomX and Felix, we have supported several other studies into phage therapy, an experimental treatment in which viruses are used to kill difficult-to-treat bacteria. One of those studies is taking place at National Jewish Health in Denver, where researchers were able to use phages to treat a drug-resistant Mycobacterium abscessus lung infection in a person with CF. Although phage has been effective in one-off cases such as this one, more studies are needed to evaluate broadening access to phage as an option to fight drug-resistant infections.

Spotlight on NTM

Because of the difficulty in treating M. abscessus and other nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections, we have dedicated resources to fight these problematic bacteria. We are funding five active industry programs in NTM: two in the drug discovery phase, two in preclinical development (testing in preparation for clinical trials), and one in clinical trials.

These programs include the Beyond Air program, which is in the clinical trial phase and involves a non-traditional way of fighting NTM infections with the use of nitric oxide. Interim data from a Phase 2 pilot study showed that the potential treatment was well tolerated. The company expects full safety and efficacy results later this year.

The Foundation also has funded several academic research studies that seek to standardize NTM detection and treatment, examine novel biomarkers, and look at various treatment regimens.

Advocacy

As part of our efforts to expand the pipeline of new treatments, we are the leading patient voice in a broad coalition advocating for the PASTEUR Act, proposed legislation in Congress that aims to revitalize the global marketplace for novel antibiotics. Through focused efforts, we’ve added almost 20 cosponsors to the House bill and rallied the CF community to advocate for more support through events, such as the annual March on the Hill and the annual Online Day of Action.

Want to join the effort? Urge your member of Congress to cosponsor the PASTEUR Act today.

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