Parion Sciences will receive $80 million in funding from Vertex Pharmaceuticals in a collaboration to develop a novel CF medication. Unlike Vertex’s CF modulators — ivacaftor (kayldeco) and lumacaftor (VX-809) — the drug will be eligible for all CF patients and may be used in future trials to increase the efficacy of Orkambi (Vertex’s combo ivacaftor/lumacaftor drug awaiting FDA approval).

Parion has begun development of two drugs, P-1037 and P-1055, which will help to target channels responsible for the dry linings of airways in CF patients that make it difficult to move mucous out of the lungs.