A new drug for cystic fibrosis named ivacaftor has been having positive outcomes for the patients trying it. It has reduced flare-ups by 55% when compared with a placebo but for now it only applies to people with a certain genetic mutation. Vertex Pharmaceuticals is hoping that the number of people this drug can benefit will increase. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects 30,000 people in the United States. It hinders the movement of salt in the body causing the pancreas to fail, food not digesting properly, and the airways filled with mucus. This new drug is helping to improve patient’s lung functioning and help them gain weight. Ivacaftor has been found to benefit 4-5% of people with cystic fibrosis. More studies are being done to help control other genetic mutations so that even more patients can be helped.
This drug will be a lot of help for not only the people in the U.S. who have cystic fibrosis but also other people in the world. Even though ivacaftor is still being tested and changed to help all people with cystic fibrosis this is breakthrough research that could potentially save a lot of lives. Cystic fibrosis does a lot of wear and tear on the lungs which causes other problems with the lungs including lung disease. Getting this drug to people and children as soon as possible can help reduce the risk that they will have lung disease and help them get closer to leading a normal productive life.
http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-cystic-fibrosis-drug-20111103,0,5669513.story
No comments:
Post a Comment