Two promising projects focus on new treatments for cystic fibrosis

Two promising projects have been selected to undergo preclinical testing as part of the Cystic Fibrosis Technology Initiative (CFTI). The CFTI provides a bold step towards meeting the needs of the Canadian cystic fibrosis (CF) research community in the area of drug development through a unique collaboration between Cystic Fibrosis Canada, the University of British Columbia (UBC), and The Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD).

"This initiative meets the needs of our research community and provides Cystic Fibrosis Canada the opportunity to partner with two leading Canadian institutions in the area of commercialization, UBC and CDRD," said Maureen Adamson, Chief Executive Officer of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. "We are optimistic that bringing great science and industry partners together will translate new knowledge into effective new treatments as we set our sights squarely on a cure."

One project uses a new combination of antibiotics and chemical elements to target bacteria, while the other focuses on the cycle of inflammation and infection that damages the lungs of CF patients. The projects were selected based on recommendations by a highly qualified and independent scientific advisory committee, made up of specialized CF researchers, clinicians, and drug development experts, following a nationwide call for proposals.

"In concert with the principal investigators, a rigorous development plan has been established featuring milestones with a "go" or "no-go" decision making process," said Dr. J.P. Heale, Director of the CFTI. "In this manner we hope to quickly establish whether or not the technologies can fulfill their promise to become effective medicines for people with CF."

The first project features a new formulation of an existing antibiotic, ciprofloxacin, combined with gallium to produce a potent therapeutic against infections. Dr. Chris Orvig and his colleagues noted that ciprofloxacin is able to bind and coordinate gallium atoms to provide a "one-two punch" against bacteria. Together the effect of the two compounds is several orders of magnitude greater than the effect of either one individually.

The second project focuses on a unique peptide from a family termed defensins. This short peptide was discovered by Dr. Robert Hancock and holds the promise of being both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Chronic infection in CF lungs causes a prolonged and excessive immune response resulting in significant structural damage to delicate lung tissue. Dr. Hancock's discovery has the potential to positively impact the lives of people with CF by controlling the infection and also the exaggerated immune response.

"By providing our highly-specialized scientific and business expertise as well as our state-of-the-art drug development facilities, we aim to accelerate the development of these research projects into innovative therapies for children and adults with cystic fibrosis," said Natalie Dakers, President and Chief Executive Officer of CDRD.