Cystic Fibrosis

Recent research has focused on treating the cause as well as the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Medical researchers are currently looking at gene transfer therapy, which tries to correct the result of the gene defect that causes cystic fibrosis. Gene transfer therapy involves introducing healthy genes into the lung cells of people who have cystic fibrosis.

Researchers are also investigating protein repair therapy, or protein assist therapy. This therapy involves taking medicines that help the defective protein work more normally to allow a small amount of salt and water to move out of cells.

Gene transfer and protein repair therapies are in the experimental, developmental stages; and clinical trials are being conducted. For more information, see the Other Places to Get Help section of this topic for organizations to contact.