Cure4CF Update
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Driving Innovation: More Than $1 Million Awarded to Advance CF Research
Cure4 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Cure4CF) has today announced four new research projects that will receive funding through its Holckner Family CF Impact Grant with over one million granted.
These projects represent some of the most advanced and promising breakthroughs in cystic fibrosis (CF) research, aiming to transform treatment, improve health outcomes, and ultimately bring us closer to a cure.
The selected projects address major unmet needs in CF care — from gene editing and drug-resistant infections to CF-related diabetes and colorectal cancer. Each was selected through a competitive, expert-reviewed process and demonstrates a clear pathway toward clinical impact.
Developing a One-Time Gene Editing Treatment for CF
Lead researcher: Dr Fatwa Adikusuma
Institution: University of Adelaide
Duration: 2 years
This ambitious project aims to develop a universal, one-time gene-editing treatment that could help every person living with cystic fibrosis — regardless of their mutation. Using a cutting-edge gene-editing tool, Dr Adikusuma’s team will attempt to insert a healthy CFTR gene directly into its natural place in the DNA.
The treatment would be delivered using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), with the goal of restoring normal CFTR function through a single administration. The project includes developing and refining the editing tools, optimising the delivery system, and testing the treatment in CF airway models.
If successful, this approach could overcome current limitations of CFTR modulators, which do not work for up to 30% of people with CF and require lifelong treatment.
A World-First Inhaled Therapy for Drug-Resistant CF Infections
Lead researcher: Dr Sha Liu
Institution: University of Adelaide
Duration: 2 years
Chronic lung infections remain one of the biggest threats to the health and quality of life of people with CF. Some bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are increasingly resistant to antibiotics.
Dr Liu’s team is developing Phage-LumenGel — a triple-action inhalable treatment that combines mucus-penetrating gel, targeted bacteriophages, and an activation-controlled antibacterial compound. This gel aims to break through mucus, dismantle biofilms, and kill bacteria that evade the initial phage attack.
This innovative project will test Phage-LumenGel in advanced lung organoids and proven animal models, paving the way for a phase 1 clinical trial.
Predicting Risk for CF-Related Diabetes Using Big Data
Lead researcher: Dr Bernadette Prentice
Institution: Sydney Children’s Hospital Network
Duration: 2 years
More than half of adults with CF will develop cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD), yet predicting who is most at risk remains challenging.
This project uses machine learning to analyse large-scale clinical data from Australia and Canada. Dr Prentice and her team aim to identify the unique features and early warning signs that predict CFRD risk, progression, and complications.
The project will lay the foundation for a future clinical decision tool that could guide personalised screening and early intervention — improving outcomes and reducing hospitalisations.
AI-Driven Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer in Adults with CF
Lead researcher: Dr Elena Schneider-Futschik
Institution: University of Melbourne
Duration: 2 years
As life expectancy improves, adults with CF are increasingly facing new age-related complications, including a significantly elevated risk of colorectal cancer.
This project will study yearly blood samples to identify biomarkers of early cancer in people with CF, using advanced proteomic analysis and artificial intelligence. The goal is to develop a safer, less invasive, and more precise method of detection that reduces reliance on colonoscopy and identifies cancer earlier.
Cure4CF CEO, Suzy Dimaline, said the selected projects highlight the organisation’s commitment to funding research with strong translational potential.
“These projects represent the future of CF research — bold ideas backed by world-class science. Every breakthrough begins with funding, and we are incredibly grateful to our supporters who make this work possible.”
From next-generation gene editing to AI-powered diagnostics, these projects reflect a powerful step forward in the race to cure cystic fibrosis.