Enterprise Therapeutics, a drug discovery company dedicated to the research and development of novel therapies for the treatment of respiratory diseases, has won funding from the Cystic Fibrosis Trust to identify new drug mechanisms for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF).

The funding will be used to support pioneering research, leveraging Enterprise Therapeutics’ bronchosphere technology platform. Bronchospheres are a miniaturised model of the human airway. This innovative model can be used to support high-throughput drug and target discovery and will be used to facilitate the development of new classes of therapeutics for the treatment of cystic fibrosis.

Over 10,500 people are currently living with CF in the UK. This genetic condition causes the lungs to become clogged with mucus, making it difficult to breathe. People living with CF have a significantly reduced life-expectancy; median age of death is just 28 years. Quality of life is also extremely poor due to high treatment burden and susceptibility to chronic lung infections that result in frequent hospitalisations.

Commenting on this new partnership, Dr John Ford, CEO, Enterprise Therapeutics, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Cystic Fibrosis Trust on this important project. The Trust’s funding will enable critical research to be undertaken to drive a greater scientific understanding of CF and support development of innovative treatments for this challenging genetic disease.”

Dr Janet Allen, Director of Strategic Innovation at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust commented: “This exciting approach will bring hope to the many people living with CF in the UK. We look forward to working with Enterprise Therapeutics and believe that their technology will bring us a step closer to identifying effective new medicines that may improve the lives of people with CF and those who care for them.”