More Exciting News

There is more exciting news for the CF world this week! As I have posted before, there have been some exciting developments when it comes to the way cystic fibrosis is being treated. They have come up with a way to treat the underlying problem in one of the specific genetic mutations of CF that affects about 4% of the CF community.

Now, there is a trial going on involving 2 different medicines including the one mentioned above together to treat those with the Delta F508 gene. (That includes me!) Here is the article that was posted on cff.org.

Phase 2 Study of Two Potential CF Therapies — VX-770 and VX-809 — Shows Promising Results in Patients with Most Common Mutation

June 9, 2011

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation today announced promising results from an ongoing Phase 2 study evaluating combinations of VX-770 and VX-809, potential medicines designed to treat the defective protein that causes cystic fibrosis.

The study enrolled 62 people with two copies of the most common CF mutation, known as Delta F508. The trial lasted three weeks. Participants took VX-809 for two weeks, and VX-809 and VX-770 together for a third week.

Patients who took the drug regimen showed a positive change in sweat chloride levels. Excessive sweat chloride is a key clinical indicator of cystic fibrosis. The findings suggest that VX-809 and VX-770 together improve function of the defective CF protein, known as CFTR.

“The results of this study represent a milestone in our efforts to expand the use of small molecules to attack the root cause of cystic fibrosis in those with the most common defect,” said Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., president and CEO of the CF Foundation. “These data, while early, provide important new information that validates our approach and supports continued study of a combination-therapy approach to treating the basic defect of cystic fibrosis.”

The CF Foundation worked with Vertex to discover VX-770 and VX-809, and has provided substantial scientific, financial and clinical support throughout the development process, including an approximately $75 million investment.

These positive results support further testing of VX-770 and VX-809 as a combination therapy. Vertex plans to initiate the second part of this Phase 2 study in the fourth quarter of 2011.

In people with the Delta F508 mutation, the defective protein does not move to its proper place at the cell surface. VX-809 is designed to help the protein reach the cell surface, while VX-770 aims to help the protein function more normally once it is at the cell surface.

The defective protein creates a cascade of symptoms, including a buildup of mucus in the airways and other complications that lead to lung damage and ultimately premature death.

The CF Foundation has fueled dramatic improvements in research and care that have significantly changed the prognosis for people with CF. In the 1950s, children with CF usually died before reaching elementary school. Today, people with CF live into their 30s and beyond.

That just proves that all of those donations are being put to use! I am excited about what is to come with the new developments and I am so thankful for those who have donated and made this possible!

"Did you wash your hands?"

How many times did you hear that today? Probably a lot. But why are adults so hung up on hand washing? Why are they so in love with lather?

Washing your hands is the best way to stop germs from spreading. Think about all of the things that you touched today - from the telephone to the toilet. Maybe you blew your nose in a tissue and then went outside to dig around the dirt. Whatever you did today, you came into contact with germs. It's easy for a germ on your hand to end up in your mouth. Think about how many foods you eat with your hands.

You can't wear rubber gloves all day long, but you can wash your hands so those germs don't get a chance to make you or someone else sick. When germs go down the drain, they can't make anyone sick.

So when are the best times to wash your hands?

• before eating or touching food (like if you're helping cook or bake, for example)
• after using the bathroom
• after blowing your nose or coughing
• after touching pets or other animals
• after playing outside
• before and after visiting a sick relative or friend

Now you have the when and the why of hand washing. But did you know that a lot of people don't know how to get their paws perfectly clean? The next time you're told to step up to the sink and scrub up, remember these handy hints:

1. Use warm water (not cold or hot) when you wash your hands.
   
2. Use whatever soap you like. Some soaps come in cool shapes and colors or smell nice, but whatever kind that gets you scrubbing is the kind you should use. Antibacterial soaps are OK to use, but regular soap works fine.
   
3. Work up some lather on both sides of your hands, your wrists, and between your fingers. Don't forget to wash around your nails. This is one place germs like to hide. Wash for about 10 to 15 seconds - about how long it takes to sing "Happy Birthday." (Sing it quickly two times or just once if you go nice and slow.)
   
4. Rinse and dry well with a clean towel.

Updated and reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: August 2007

Math Scores

I'm a little concerned with our class's math scores lately. We really need them to start improving in what we are doing in class. So here's where you all come in. If you could please work with your children at home to go along with what we are doing in class, that would be really helpful. If your child is struggling with the math still, we can set up a time when he/she comes in and meets with me after school so that we can work together to help all of our students succeed and do their best! Thanks!

Fantasy of Trees Field Trip

Parents,
We are so excited about the field trip to the Fantasy of Trees! I do need five more chaperones for the trip. If you are interested, please just post a comment onto my blog to let me know! We could really use your help, and it is a great way to spend some time with your child and to see what our class is up to! Thank you so much!