The biotechnology company ContraFect has entered into an agreement with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This funding agreement aims to investigate and develop direct lytic agents (DLAs) as a treatment for the infections that often affect cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Both parties are excited by this agreement and the benefits that it could potentially bring to those with CF.
About Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that is characterized by progressive damage to the respiratory and digestive systems. Those with cystic fibrosis do not have the slippery mucus that is normally found in the lungs. Instead they have thick and sticky mucus which builds up in their system. This buildup causes clogs in the airways, which then traps bacteria and causes breathing problems, infections, lung damage, and respiratory failure. It can also block digestive enzymes, which makes it difficult to absorb nutrients. Cystic fibrosis is a recessive disorder, meaning that the mutated gene must be passed down by both parents. The gene responsible for this condition affects the protein that regulates salt movement. The mutation in the gene varies in severity as well.
Symptoms of cystic fibrosis affect the respiratory and digestive systems. They include persistent coughing and wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty exercising, frequent lung infections, stuffy noses, trouble with gaining weight, constipation, male infertility, salty-tasting skin, and exercise intolerance.
About the Agreement
This funding agreement was made to discover any benefits that DLAs could have against Gram-negative pathogens, which are infections that often impact CF patients. The first step is to investigate the in vitro activity of CF-370, one of ContraFect’s DLAs, against bacteria taken from CF patients. Depending on these results, CF-370 will be further developed into a treatment for exacerbations in CF.
Hopefully this agreement is beneficial to the development of these treatments, as bacteria and infections are a large part of the progression of cystic fibrosis. You can read more about the agreement here.
