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This COMMANDEER project advances pilot work showing that interference with DSF (Diffusible Signal Factor) improves the efficacy of existing drugs in the treatment of bacterial infections by disrupting biofilm formation. Development of DSF analogues, which commandeer the bacterial signalling system and counteract the effects of natural DSF by preventing biofilm formation, will lead to significantly improved treatment of bacterial infections associated with CF without the risk of antibiotic resistance development. This will lead to easier mucus airway clearance by patients, better lung function, a considerable reduction in the time spent in hospital and significantly improved quality of life. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme] under grant agreement No 655508.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common, life-threatening inherited diseases and affects over 100,000 worldwide where one in 19 people are carriers. If two carriers have a child, there is one in four chance of affecting with CF. Treatment is very expensive and costs around €16,500 per patient per year, €250,000-€300,000 lifetime costs per patient.
Cystic fibrosis is a disease that causes the body to make abnormal thick, sticky mucus especially in lungs and the digestive system. In general, healthy lungs produce mucus, which protects the airways and makes it easier to breathe. But in the case of CF, thick and sticky mucus can clog up the lungs, creating a place for bacteria to live and grow. Bactria causes infections.
Apart from lungs, mucus-producing cells line the digestive tract, including the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and reproductive organs. The pancreas produces enzymes that help digest food and hormones that help absorb sugar. When thick mucus in the pancreas clogs up the narrow passageways, it can make it difficult for people to digest food and get all the vitamins and nutrients they need.
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