School
School of Health Sciences
Major
Biology: Cell and Molecular Biology
Keywords
CF, CFTR, Modulator, Cystic Fibrosis, Trikafta, Ivacaftor, Lumacaftor, Tezacaftor, Elexacaftor
Disciplines
Chemical and Pharmacologic Phenomena | Chemicals and Drugs | Circulatory and Respiratory Physiology | Medical Pharmacology | Respiratory Tract Diseases
Recommended Citation
Rombocos, Jessalyn, "Modulator Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis: An Exploration of Current Research" (2020). Senior Honors Theses. 946.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/946
Abstract
Developing a drug therapy that addresses the root cause of cystic fibrosis (CF) by increasing CFTR protein levels has long been a research challenge. After genetic therapy failed because a suitable delivery system could not be found, researchers began searching for small organic molecules that could act as chaperones for CFTR. These molecules, known as modulators, allowed CFTR to be assembled correctly and function similarly to wild type CFTR. Since 2012, four modulator drugs have been developed, tested, and approved by the FDA. In October 2019, Trikafta was approved as the first triple-combination modulator drug and has completely revolutionized CF therapy. This paper details the research challenges, successes, and failures that led to the development of modulator therapies.
Included in
Chemical and Pharmacologic Phenomena Commons, Chemicals and Drugs Commons, Circulatory and Respiratory Physiology Commons, Medical Pharmacology Commons, Respiratory Tract Diseases Commons
