Baltimore to Host Largest Gathering of Cystic Fibrosis Scientists and Clinicians in the World

Historic Time in Treatment of Rare Disease as Promising Drugs Reach Phase 3 Trials

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the largest meeting of its kind, nearly 4,000 doctors, scientists, researchers and caregivers will meet in Baltimore, Md., Oct. 21 –23, 2010, to present the latest information and advancements on cystic fibrosis (CF) drug development, research and care.

The conference comes at a critical point in the history of cystic fibrosis, a fatal genetic disease that causes life-threatening lung infections and premature death. For the first time, drugs that treat the underlying cause of the disease have reached the final stages of clinical testing. Up to now, only drugs that treat the symptoms of CF have been available to patients. Therapies in Phase 3 include: ataluren, Bronchitol, denufosol, and VX-770.

Key topics of the conference include:

• Attacking the core defect in CF from every angle;
• The power of patient and family involvement in improving care;
• Grappling with adult issues as people with CF live increasingly longer; and
• Advancements in inhaled antibiotics for CF.

An estimated 30,000 people in the United States have cystic fibrosis, and about 70,000 people worldwide. Ten million Americans are unknowing carriers of a defective CF gene. Fifty years ago, most children with CF died before reaching kindergarten. Today, because of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-supported drug research and care, people with CF are living into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

WHAT:

The 24th Annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, the largest international gathering of cystic fibrosis research scientists and clinicians.

WHEN & WHERE:

Thursday, Oct. 21 - Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010, at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

• Thurs., Oct. 21 at 4:20 p.m. – "Pipeline: Airway Surface Liquid Modulation," Eric J. Sorscher, M.D., University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
• Friday, Oct. 22, 9:00 a.m. – "What New Models are Teaching Us about CF," David A. Stoltz, M.D., Ph.D., University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City, Iowa
• Sat., Oct. 23, 9:00 a.m. – "Transforming CF Healthcare: Partnerships for Life," Donald M. Berwick, M.D., Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world's leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. The Foundation funds more CF research than any other organization and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support. Based in Bethesda, Md., the Foundation also supports and accredits a national care center network that has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a model of care for a chronic disease. For more information, visit www.cff.org.

SOURCE Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED