Cystic fibrosis sufferers have been given a boost
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Researchers in Northern Ireland have had a breakthrough with a new drug that will help clear the lungs of bacteria in those who suffer with cystic fibrosis
The drug will take on a defect caused by a genetic mutation called the Celtic gene, as it is so common in the region.
VX-770, as the drug is known, is praised for being a major breakthrough, not just for those with the Celtic gene, but for all cystic fibrosis sufferers because it proves the condition can be treated.
Study into VX-770 was carried out by teams from Queen’s University of Belfast, the University of Ulster, the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, and researchers from Europe, USA and Australia.
Dr Judy Bradley, from the University of Ulster, commented: ‘This is a ground-breaking treatment because it treats the basic defect caused by the gene mutation in patients.’
By James Massoud
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