Researchers make cystic fibrosis ‘breakthrough’

AN international research team may have made a “significant breakthrough” in treating one of the most common forms of cystic fibrosis in Ireland.

Experts from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) made the claim after revealing a new search into the G551D “Celtic gene” mutation of the debilitating, life-shortening condition.

According to the expert team — which included specialists from the University of Ulster, the US, Europe and Australia — a new drug known as VX-770 drastically improves breathing levels and reduce flare-ups in CF sufferers.