Treating CF CF symptoms are controlled with a number of drugs. Antibiotic drugs combat infections to which CF patients are prone, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, a type of microbe that is attracted to the sticky mucus in the lungs. The combination of animal enzymes, called Viokase, that Alex Deford took regularly is still used today by CF patients. It is approved as a prescription digestive aid for CF patients and others with pancreatic insufficiencies. Combined with a high-calorie diet, this enzyme preparation aids digestion, helping the patient to maintain weight.
Scientists believe amiloride thins lung secretions by blocking sodium uptake by lung cells.
Other investigational products are aimed at tempering the body's immune response to lung infection, which can be excessive. One such product is deoxyribonuclease. It is being tested in 900 CF patients at 50 medical centers in the United States. This gives their sponsors special incentives because they are developing products for a condition affecting relatively few people. The first human gene therapy study of CF got under way last April 17 at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute after FDA gave the go-ahead the previous day.