A breath of fresh air.

• Autores: Steven M. Rowe, J. P. Clancy, Eric J. Sorscher
• Localización: Scientific American, ISSN 0036-8733, Vol. 305, Nº. 2, 2011, págs. 68-73
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • The article discusses research on the treatment of cystic fibrosis, a serious genetic disorder that causes organs to fill with mucus. The gene responsible for cystic fibrosis was discovered in 1989, and while older medicines have been developed which extend the life expectancy of patients, new drugs aim to treat this underlying genetic issue. Drugs developed by the biotechnology company Vertex Pharmaceuticals have had promising results in clinical trials and may lead to more treatment breakthroughs. An explanation of the role of abnormal chloride channels in the disease is provided. INSET: IN BRIEF.