Orlando to Host World's Largest Cystic Fibrosis Medical Meeting

Conference Follows FDA Approval of Historic Drug to Treat Underlying Cause of CF – A Fatal Disease

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the largest meeting of its kind, nearly 4,000 doctors, scientists and clinicians from diverse disciplines will meet in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 11 – 13, 2012, to present the latest advancements in cystic fibrosis research, care and drug development.

Highlighted topics of the 26th annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference include:

• Accelerating discovery of potential new therapies that target the basic genetic defect in CF.
• Updates on the diagnosis and management of pulmonary disease.
• Overcoming barriers to CF medication adherence.
• Partnering with patients and families to improve CF care. 

Sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the meeting takes place at a time of tremendous advances in CF research and care. In January, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Kalydeco™, the first drug to treat the underlying cause of CF in a small group of people with the disease. This milestone opens the door to research that may eventually lead to similar treatments for all who have CF.

Cystic fibrosis is a fatal genetic disease that causes life-threatening lung infections and premature death. Fifty years ago, most children with CF died before reaching Kindergarten. Today, due to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-supported drug research and care, people with CF are living into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

WHAT: 

The 26th Annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, the largest international gathering of cystic fibrosis research scientists and clinicians.

WHEN & WHERE: 

Thursday, Oct. 11 – Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at the Orange County Convention Center.

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 cystic fibrosis 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. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a donor-supported nonprofit organization. For more information, go to www.cff.org.

SOURCE Cystic Fibrosis Foundation