scholarly journals A European regulatory perspective on cystic fibrosis: current treatments, trends in drug development and translational challenges for CFTR modulators

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (148) ◽  
pp. 170124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Ponzano ◽  
Giulia Nigrelli ◽  
Laura Fregonese ◽  
Irmgard Eichler ◽  
Fabio Bertozzi ◽  
...  

In this article we analyse the current authorised treatments and trends in early drug development for cystic fibrosis (CF) in the European Union for the time period 2000–2016. The analysis indicates a significant improvement in the innovation and development of new potential medicines for CF, shifting from products that act on the symptoms of the disease towards new therapies targeting the cause of CF. However, within these new innovative medicines, results for CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators indicate that one major challenge for turning a CF concept product into an actual medicine for the benefit of patients resides in the fact that, although pre-clinical models have shown good predictability for certain mutations, a good correlation to clinical end-points or biomarkers (e.g. forced expiratory volume in 1 s and sweat chloride) for all mutations has not yet been achieved. In this respect, the use of alternative end-points and innovative nonclinical models could be helpful for the understanding of those translational discrepancies. Collaborative endeavours to promote further research and development in these areas as well as early dialogue with the regulatory bodies available at the European competent authorities are recommended.

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 898-908 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joesph R Wiencek ◽  
Stanley F Lo

Abstract BACKGROUND Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex autosomal recessive disease that continues to present unique diagnostic challenges. Because CF was first described in 1938, there has been a substantial growth of genetic and phenotypic information about the disorder. During the past few years, as more evidence has become available, a consortium of international experts determined that the 2008 guidelines from the CF Foundation needed to be reviewed and updated. CONTENT The goal of this review is to highlight the latest advances in CF multidisciplinary care, together with the recent updates to the 2017 CF Foundation diagnostic guidelines. SUMMARY Data from newborn screening programs, patient registries, clinical databases, and functional research have led to a better understanding of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Recent consensus guidelines have provided recommendations for clinicians and laboratorians to better assist with interpretation of disease status and related CF mutations. The highly recommended Clinical and Functional Translation of CFTR project should be the first resource in the evaluation of disease severity for CF mutations. Screen-positive newborns and patients with high clinical suspicion for CF are always recommended to undergo confirmatory sweat chloride testing with interpretations based on updated reference intervals. Every patient diagnosed with CF should receive genotyping, as novel molecular therapies are becoming standard of practice. The future of CF management must consider healthcare system disparities as CF transitions from a historically childhood disease to a predominantly adult epidemic.


2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J Stephen

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by an elevated sweat chloride level, diffuse bronchiectasis, and pancreatic exocrine deficiency. It is the most common lethal inherited disease in whites. Most patients present at birth or early childhood, although later diagnoses are not infrequent. Once CF was uniformly fatal at an early age, but advances in nutrition, airway clearance, and infection management have led to an average survival of 37 years. The newest aspect of care is the advent of protein modulators, which may increase life expectancy even further. This chapter discusses the epidemiology, genetics, pathophysiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of CF. The definition, epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of non-CF bronchiectasis are also covered. Figures illustrate normal and abnormal CF transmembrane conductance regulators, the vicious cycle hypothesis of lung injury, rates of respiratory germs by age, the diagnosis of CF, the therapeutics pipeline for CF, forced expiratory volume in 1 second lung function percent predicted versus body mass index, and the median predicted survival age of patients with CF. A chest x-ray and chest computed tomographic scan of CF are also provided. Tables outline the most common CF mutations in 2011, class mutations of CF, a mnemonic for acute exacerbations of CF, the diagnosis of CF-related diabetes in a stable patient, sweat test values, and the differential diagnosis of bronchiectasis.This chapter contains 9 highly rendered figures, 6 tables, 143 references, 1 teaching slide set, and 5 MCQs.


2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J Stephen

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by an elevated sweat chloride level, diffuse bronchiectasis, and pancreatic exocrine deficiency. It is the most common lethal inherited disease in whites. Most patients present at birth or early childhood, although later diagnoses are not infrequent. Once CF was uniformly fatal at an early age, but advances in nutrition, airway clearance, and infection management have led to an average survival of 37 years. The newest aspect of care is the advent of protein modulators, which may increase life expectancy even further. This chapter discusses the epidemiology, genetics, pathophysiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of CF. The definition, epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of non-CF bronchiectasis are also covered. Figures illustrate normal and abnormal CF transmembrane conductance regulators, the vicious cycle hypothesis of lung injury, rates of respiratory germs by age, the diagnosis of CF, the therapeutics pipeline for CF, forced expiratory volume in 1 second lung function percent predicted versus body mass index, and the median predicted survival age of patients with CF. A chest x-ray and chest computed tomographic scan of CF are also provided. Tables outline the most common CF mutations in 2011, class mutations of CF, a mnemonic for acute exacerbations of CF, the diagnosis of CF-related diabetes in a stable patient, sweat test values, and the differential diagnosis of bronchiectasis.This chapter contains 9 highly rendered figures, 6 tables, 143 references, 1 teaching slide set, and 5 MCQs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 175346661984442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherstin T. Lommatzsch ◽  
Jennifer L. Taylor-Cousar

Years of tremendous study have dawned a new era for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). For years CF care was rooted in the management of organ dysfunction resulting from the mal-effects of absent anion transport through the CF transmembrane regulator (CFTR) protein. CFTR, an adenosine triphosphate binding anion channel, has multiple functions, but primarily regulates the movement of chloride anions, thiocyanate and bicarbonate across luminal cell membranes. Additional roles include effects on other electrolyte channels such as the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and on pulmonary innate immunity. Inappropriate luminal anion movement leads to elevated sweat chloride concentrations, dehydrated airway surface liquid, overall viscous mucous production, and inspissated bile and pancreatic secretions. As a result, patients develop the well-known CF symptoms and disease-defining complications such as chronic cough, oily stools, recurrent pulmonary infections, bronchiectasis, chronic sinusitis and malnutrition. Traditionally, CF has been symptomatically managed, but over the past 6 years those with CF have been offered a new mode of therapy; CFTR protein modulation. These medications affect the basic defect in CF: abnormal CFTR function. Ivacaftor, approved for use in the United States in 2012, is the first medication in CF history to improve CFTR function at the molecular level. Its study and approval were followed by two additional CFTR modulators, lumacaftor/ivacaftor and tezacaftor/ivacaftor. To effectively use currently available CF therapies, clinicians should be familiar with the side effects of the drugs and their impacts on patient outcomes. As many new modulators are on the horizon, this information will equip providers to discuss the benefits and shortcomings of modulator therapy especially in the context of limited healthcare resources.


2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 1902426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anabela S. Ramalho ◽  
Eva Fürstová ◽  
Annelotte M. Vonk ◽  
Marc Ferrante ◽  
Catherine Verfaillie ◽  
...  

RationaleGiven the vast number of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutations, biomarkers predicting benefit from CFTR modulator therapies are needed for subjects with cystic fibrosis (CF).ObjectivesTo study CFTR function in organoids of subjects with common and rare CFTR mutations and evaluate correlations between CFTR function and clinical data.MethodsIntestinal organoids were grown from rectal biopsies in a cohort of 97 subjects with CF. Residual CFTR function was measured by quantifying organoid swelling induced by forskolin and response to modulators by quantifying organoid swelling induced by CFTR correctors, potentiator and their combination. Organoid data were correlated with clinical data from the literature.ResultsAcross 28 genotypes, residual CFTR function correlated (r2=0.87) with sweat chloride values. When studying the same genotypes, CFTR function rescue by CFTR modulators in organoids correlated tightly with mean improvement in lung function (r2=0.90) and sweat chloride (r2=0.95) reported in clinical trials. We identified candidate genotypes for modulator therapy, such as E92K, Q237E, R334W and L159S. Based on organoid results, two subjects started modulator treatment: one homozygous for complex allele Q359K_T360K, and the second with mutation E60K. Both subjects had major clinical benefit.ConclusionsMeasurements of residual CFTR function and rescue of function by CFTR modulators in intestinal organoids correlate closely with clinical data. Our results for reference genotypes concur with previous results. CFTR function measured in organoids can be used to guide precision medicine in patients with CF, positioning organoids as a potential in vitro model to bring treatment to patients carrying rare CFTR mutations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 573-580
Author(s):  
Saangyoung E. Lee ◽  
Zainab Farzal ◽  
M.Leigh Anne Daniels ◽  
Brian D. Thorp ◽  
Adam M. Zanation ◽  
...  

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that may result in multiple systemic disorders and potentially fatal severe respiratory compromise. However, the advent of CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators has changed the management of CF for patients with select mutations. Although clinical trials have highlighted increased pulmonary function and decreased exacerbations as a result of these novel therapies, their effect on the sinuses has not been well-described. Objective Our objective is to review the CFTR modulators to provide otolaryngologists, physicians who frequently care for patients with CF, a basic understanding of these drugs and their effects on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in patients with CF. Methods The clinically approved and available CFTR modulators and specific indications for their use are reviewed. Additionally, a systematic review of these therapies and effects on CRS in CF was performed. Results Four Food and Drug Administration approved CFTR modulators are available for patients with CF. Current drugs are approved for gating, residual function, or F508del mutations. Multiple reports describe CFTR modulators’ increase in transepithelial ion transport in nasal epithelial cultures; however, clinical studies regarding effects of these modulators on sinonasal health are limited to 5 studies that present new data of the effects of CFTR modulators in CRS. Conclusions CFTR modulators have changed management of CF. Initial studies of these medications demonstrate promising results in CF; however, there is a paucity of literature describing the effect of CFTR modulators on CF-associated CRS, although initial results are encouraging.


2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 581-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stojka Fustik ◽  
Tatjana Jakovska ◽  
Dijana Plaseska-Karanfilska

Introduction. Due to increased losses of chloride and sodium in the sweat, children with cystic fibrosis (CF) are predisposed to develop episodes of hyponatremic/hypochloremic dehydration with hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis when they sweat excessively. Even the patients with mild phenotype may have such episodes of dehydration and salt depletion. Outline of cases. Six cases of pancreatic sufficient (PS) CF patients complicated with episodes of severe hyponatremic dehydration with metabolic alkalosis in infancy are presented. The mean age was 6.3 ? 2.16 months at admission. All the cases had no symptoms suggestive of CF before admission. The most common clinical symptoms at the time of hospitalization were vomiting, anorexia, weight loss, dehydration, irritation, or lethargy. Mean values of blood pH, serum bicarbonate, sodium, chloride, and potassium (mmol/l) were as follows: 7.59 ? 0.06, 41.73 ? 5.78, 117.52 ? 2.88, 66.0 ? 11.58 and 2.62 ? 0.37, respectively. Sweat chloride test was pathological and ranged 69?120 mmol/L. The determination of fecal elastase-1 proved that they were PS (values > 200 ?g/g stool). CF transmembrane conductance regulator gene analyses in six cases confirmed the diagnosis of CF; namely, patients were compound heterozygotes for F508del and other rare mutation or compound heterozygotes for two rare mutations. Conclusion. Distinctive about these cases is that they were PS and had very mild presentation of CF. Without these episodes of dehydration, these patients would have remained undiagnosed until later age. CF should be considered in infants and children presenting with hypoelectrolytemia and metabolic alkalosis even in the absence of respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms.


2017 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 1601102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Xu ◽  
Tarek Abdalla ◽  
Preston E. Bratcher ◽  
Patricia L. Jackson ◽  
Gina Sabbatini ◽  
...  

Matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) plays a role in progression of cystic fibrosis, and doxycycline can reduce MMP-9 in vitro. Here, we explore the effect of doxycycline during cystic fibrosis exacerbation treatment on MMP-9 related readouts and clinical end-points.This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled hospitalised patients with cystic fibrosis undergoing exacerbation. In total, 20 participants were given doxycycline and 19 participants were given placebo over an 8-day period during hospitalisation. Biospecimens were collected at the beginning and the end of the study period. Primary end-points were total MMP-9 levels in the sputum and safety/tolerability. Secondary end-points included change in lung function, time to next exacerbation, and markers of MMP-9-related protease activity (active MMP-9 and TIMP-1). Nonparametric testing was used for within-group and between-group analyses.Doxycycline was well tolerated, with no treatment discontinuations or serious adverse events. Doxycycline reduced total sputum MMP-9 levels by 63.2% (p<0.05), and was also associated with a 56.5% reduction in active MMP-9 levels (p<0.05), a 1.6-fold increase in sputum TIMP-1 (p<0.05), improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (p<0.05), and an increase in time to next exacerbation (p<0.01).Adjunctive use of doxycycline improved dysregulated MMP-9 levels in sputum, along with biomarkers consistent with a reduced proteolytic pulmonary environment. Improvement in clinical outcome measures suggests an important therapeutic benefit of doxycycline for individuals with cystic fibrosis.


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