The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) in Bethesda, Maryland, has announced a commitment of up to $15.5 million to Anagram Therapeutics in support of early-stage clinical trials of a novel enzyme replacement therapy. 

The proposed therapy would decrease the number of enzyme pills people with cystic fibrosis (CF) must take to digest food properly, from a handful of pills to only one per meal. Between 85 percent and 90 percent of people with CF suffer from pancreatic insufficiency and require enzymes before eating most foods. With no enzymes to break down food, much of the protein, fat, and carbohydrates in food are not absorbed. This can result in poor growth, gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas and bloating, and malnutrition. Anagram plans to start a Phase 1 clinical trial of enzyme therapy over the summer. 

“This potential therapy would be more convenient and provide another option to current therapies for people with CF who struggle with digestion,” said CFF senior vice president of clinical research JP Clancy. “We are striving to develop better therapies for CF complications, such as poor digestion, to improve the everyday lives of people with CF.” 

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