Renewal - Cystic Fibrosis Research and Translation Centers

May 2023 Council

Lead Division/Office

DEM

Point(s) of Contact

Tom Eggerman

Executive Summary

The Cystic Fibrosis Research and Translation (CFRT) Centers began in 1982 in response to a Congressional mandate and have been instrumental in promoting research that has led to new and better therapies. CF research often requires the use of specialized technologies and resources to support a cohesive research effort. The goal of the CFRT Centers is to make state-of-the-art technologies and resources readily accessible to a broad spectrum of investigators working to promote better communication and collaboration between basic and clinical researchers. These Centers achieve these goals by supporting three primary research-related activities:1) Research Core Services that provide shared resources to enhance the efficiency of research and foster collaborations within and among institutions with strong existing bases of research on CF; 2) A Pilot and Feasibility Program designed to foster the development of new investigators and to provide seed-support for innovative high-risk projects; and 3) An Enrichment Program to promote interdisciplinary interaction and educational updates for investigators. The CF Centers played an important part in both the basic science development as well in the conduct of the clinical trials for the 2019 approval of a triple drug therapy that can be used by 90% of CF patients. Much research is still needed to improve the health, lifestyles and longevity of CF patients and the CF Centers are needed to support this important research.