CF Foundation Invests Up to $2.3 Million to Develop Test for Lung Infections
Summary
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has agreed to invest up to $2.3 million in Owlstone Medical to develop a test that is designed to detect Pseudomonas infections from a persons breath. Sputum cultures also can miss early signs of infection.Developing high-performing diagnostic tests of lung infections that do not rely on sputum collection or invasive procedures is a high priority, said David Nichols, MD, senior director of clinical research development at the CF Foundation. Once Pseudomonas is established in the lungs, it is difficult to eliminate, so early detection and treatment is crucial in eradicating these infections.Owlstone will initially conduct a preclinical study on the feasibility of analyzing the breath to identify Pseudomonas lung infections and whether the technology can support longer term monitoring. Accurate detection of which bacteria are present can reduce unnecessary antibiotic use that can lead to drug resistance. Likewise, earlier identification increases the ability to eliminate infections before they become persistent and more likely to develop antibiotic resistance.In addition to a potential breath test, the Foundation is funding research into using blood and urine samples from people with CF to determine when infections are present in the lungs.