Israeli doctors breathe life into new cystic fibrosis drug

A revolutionary new cystic fibrosis treatment developed by Israeli and American researchers has achieved promising results among CF patients undergoing clinical trials in Jerusalem. Under the supervision of London-born Dr. Michael Wilschanski and Professor Eitan Kerem of Hadassah Medical Centre, 24 Jewish and Arab Israeli adult CF patients recently enrolled in a new study (Phase II) to test the orally administered therapy called PTC124. The patients have expressed a reduction of CF symptoms such as less mucous in their lungs and doctors measured improved lung functioning and weight gain of patients who normally have a hard time retaining nutrients.