The agreement will seek to identify therapies that can help patients with the Delta F508 mutation. In patients that have this particular mutation, a defective protein called CFTR does not fold correctly, which keeps it from reaching the surface of the cell and carrying out its function in maintaining the proper flow of salt and fluids into the airways. The result is that thick secretions form in the airways, which in turn leads to serious lung infections as well as lung damage. Close to 90 percent of cystic fibrosis sufferers carry at least one copy of the Delta F508 mutation. Pfizer and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics will work to discover therapies capable of restoring the normal function of the protein.  

 

"We are excited to expand our efforts with Pfizer to accelerate the development of more therapies that treat the root cause of CF and benefit the greatest number of people with the disease," Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, said in a statement. "Pfizer brings impressive technical and scientific expertise, along with its commitment to improving the lives of people with cystic fibrosis."  

 

 

SOURCE: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation