Promising Results From Phase 2 Study
What follows is an excerpt from a recent email from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, dated March 27th, 2008:
We have exciting news. Earlier today, we announced promising results from an early Phase 2 study of VX-770, an oral compound developed in collaboration with Vertex Pharmaceuticals that targets a basic defect in cystic fibrosis. Patients who took the drug showed significant improvement in several key CF measures, including lung function, nasal potential difference measurements, and sweat chloride levels. The findings suggest that VX-770 improves function of the faulty CFTR protein. This data represents the most exciting results we've seen from a Phase 2 trial, and it increases our confidence that we're on the right track. This is the first time that any potential therapy has improved the abnormal sweat chloride (salt) levels in a person with CF. Excessive sweat chloride is a key clinical indicator of cystic fibrosis.
To learn more about this important development, please visit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Web site to read questions and answers, our news story, and the announcements issued by the Foundation and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. There are many potential therapies in development. If you are interested in participating in other clinical trials that could help us advance new therapies for CF, click here. Or, call (877) 8CF-JOIN.
I have never been more optimistic about the road we are on to develop new therapies for cystic fibrosis. It is because of all the work and support of everyone in the CF community that we can make this announcement today. Thank you for all you are doing to help bring us closer to a cure. Sincerely yours, Robert J. Beall, Ph.D.
President and CEO
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Now on YouTube!
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has established its own YouTube channel, CysticFibrosisUSA! YouTube, the leading video-sharing network, has changed the way people communicate. More companies and nonprofits than ever before are harnessing the power of this new media tool to spread awareness of their missions.
The CFF channel features videos created by the Foundation, as well as links to videos from the CF community. The Foundation's videos provide the latest CF news and share stories about people with CF and their families. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation invites everyone to visit the new channel and view the videos, including the latest posting "One Goal." This video documents the CF Foundation's work as the leading organization committed to curing cystic fibrosis and the outstanding progress they are making.
To help CFF become the #1 nonprofit on YouTube:
- View and comment on the channel's latest videos.
- Bookmark and subscribe to the channel.
- Share it with everyone you know.
- Donate to support the efforts of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Receives Coveted 4-Star Rating
for Sound Fiscal Management From Charity Navigator
BETHESDA, Md., March 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation announced today it has received a coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management from Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in the United States.
The Foundation earned four out of four possible stars for achieving excellence in fiscal responsibility. With this top rating, the Foundation outperforms a majority of nonprofits in America with respect to fiscal management, according to Charity Navigator. To read about the Foundation's 4-star rating, please visit: http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=9142.
"The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation understands that it is the custodian of the public's trust with respect to every dollar donated to fight cystic fibrosis," said C. Richard Mattingly, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
"We greatly value the coveted 4-star rating. It speaks directly to the effective and efficient way the Foundation manages its finances."
In fact, 90 cents on the dollar raised by the Foundation is available to fund research, care and education programs for cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease.
As a result of targeted investments, the Foundation has fueled dramatic improvements in research and care that have significantly changed the prognosis for people with CF. The predicted median age of survival for people with CF is 37 years - more than double what it was 25 years ago. Remarkably, people with CF are living into their 40s, 50s and beyond.
Charity Navigator uses an objective, numbers-based rating system to assess the financial health of more than 5,000 of America's best-known charities. Last year, more than 4 million donors visited its Web site. The New York Times, NPR and The Chronicle of Philanthropy, among others, have profiled Charity Navigator's method of applying data-driven analysis to the charity sector.
"An exceptional 4-star designation from Charity Navigator differentiates the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust," said Michael Smith, Charity Navigator's interim president and chief operating officer. |