Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. There is a defective gene that causes the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
There is NO cure!
There are about 70,000 children and adults worldwide affected. CF is most common among caucasians. 1 in 25 people of European descent are carriers of the CF gene.
In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s or 40s.
**Information from http://www.cff.org/
Below is a "Pipeline" of all the therapies available and "in the works" for Cystic Fibrosis patients.
Colums left to right: Pre-Clinical, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Available to People
For more information visit The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation http://www.cff.org/
If you would like to donate your time or money The CFF has chapters all across the US. Visit their local websites to learn about events coming up in your area!
