The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will commit at least $100 million over the next five years as part of a sweeping effort to address the chronic and intractable infections of cystic fibrosis (CF).

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The CFF’s Infection Research Initiative is a comprehensive approach to improve outcomes associated with infections through enhanced detection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

“Infection is a leading cause of loss of lung function among patients with CF and, as a result, frequent and long-term use of anti-infectives is often a necessary burden of managing the disease. Even with the introduction of highly effective disease modifying therapies, we estimate that approximately half of the CF population may continue to require improved anti-infective treatments in 20 years,” said William R. Skach, M.D., senior vice president of research affairs for the CF Foundation. “A comprehensive approach is needed to make meaningful progress against this complex challenge, and we have set out a bold agenda in research and drug development to drive advances that will help enable people with CF to live full and healthy lives.”

Preston W. Campbell, III, M.D., president and CEO of the CF Foundation added, “Advances in care have drastically increased both life expectancy and quality of life for people with CF—today, many people in our community are reaching milestones we never thought possible. Through this initiative, we are committed to transforming diagnosis and treatment of infections just as we have done in other areas of CF care.”

Dr. Skach announced the initiative at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference in Denver to an audience of more than 5,000 leaders in CF research and care. The effort more than doubles the Foundation’s previous investment in this area over the last five years.