The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) has announced $1.6 million in awards for eight research grants focused on improving the early detection and diagnosis of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD).

According to the foundation, CLAD is the most common complication that leads to lung transplant failures and among the most difficult to address. The foundation issued awards in support of efforts to study what chemicals or substances in the body could indicate a CLAD diagnosis—also called biomarkers—and whether they could help doctors diagnose CLAD sooner.

The grants will support efforts to study different potential biomarkers and approaches to diagnosing CLAD. For example, a project submitted by scientists at the University of Toronto and Columbia University was awarded the Mitch Greenberg Memorial Award in Lung Transplantation to examine whether there is a connection between rejection and digestive reflux by testing bile acids found in the lungs of transplant recipients. 

“We’re excited to fund these promising projects to help us better understand CLAD. The more we learn about what causes CLAD and how to detect it, the better equipped we will be to improve transplant outcomes for people with CF,” said CFF vice president of clinical affairs Albert Faro. “While our most recent Patient Registry report told us that fewer people with CF than average have had lung transplants in the past year, the foundation is unwavering in its commitment to support people with CF, wherever they are on their transplant journey.” 

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