Brighton, UK, April 5, 2017 – Enterprise Therapeutics Ltd, 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.”
For more information about Enterprise Therapeutics, visit www.enterprisetherapeutics.com
About Enterprise Therapeutics
Enterprise Therapeutics is a drug discovery company dedicated to the research and development of novel therapies for the treatment of respiratory diseases. The company is backed by Epidarex Capital and Imperial Innovations and based in the UK.
In diseases such as CF, asthma and COPD the lungs become congested with mucus leading to difficulty in breathing. Enterprise Therapeutics’ scientific strategy is aimed at discovering new disease modifying therapies that target the underlying mechanisms of mucus congestion which will reduce the frequency of lung infections and improve patient quality of life.
These novel muco-regulatory therapies will be achieved through targeting TMEM16A and ENaC to increase the hydration and clearance of mucus. Enterprise has also identified novel targets and compounds that reduce mucus production, an approach that complements mucus hydration therapies.
Its management team has significant expertise in drug discovery, drug development, respiratory biology and ion channel pharmacology. The Company benefits from a close working relationship with the School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex.
About CF
CF is the one of the most common life limiting genetic conditions of Caucasians with an estimated 100,000 patients worldwide. Over 10,500 people with CF live in the UK and the population is growing every year. CF is a life shortening genetic condition – the median age of death is 28 years old. The median predicted survival age, although improving, is approximately 40 years. CF is an inherited disease caused by a faulty gene. This gene controls the movement of salt and water in and out of your cells, so the lungs and digestive system become clogged with mucus, making it hard to breathe and digest food. Two million people in the UK are carrying the faulty gene without realising it. If two carriers have children, there’s a one in four chance their child will have the condition, which slowly destroys the lungs and digestive system.
People with CF often look perfectly healthy. But it’s a lifelong challenge involving a vast daily intake of drugs, time-consuming physiotherapy and isolation. It places a huge burden on those around them and the condition can critically escalate at any moment. Half of people with CF alive today are expected to live into their forties, thanks to earlier diagnosis and ongoing developments in care and treatment.
About The Cystic Fibrosis Trust
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to fighting for a life unlimited for everyone affected by CF. The work we do is only made possible by the generous donations from our supporters. Visit www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk to find out more about cystic fibrosis, the work of the Trust and how you can help our fight for a life unlimited.
For confidential advice, support and information on any aspect of cystic fibrosis, including help with financial support contact the Cystic Fibrosis Trust helpline on (+44) 0300 373 1000 or 020 3795 2184.
For more information or media enquiries contact the Cystic Fibrosis Trust Press Office on (+44) 0203 7952 193 or email pressoffice@cysticfibrosis.org.uk
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