ATTN:  MEDICAL & BIOTECH REPORTERS

Anaheim to Host World’s Largest Cystic Fibrosis Medical Meeting

More than 3,000 leading scientists and clinicians to present advances in CF research and care
 
September 27, 2007

An international medical meeting will draw more than 3,000 cystic fibrosis experts from all fields of science and medicine to Anaheim Oct. 3 – 6, 2007 to present the latest information and advances in cystic fibrosis drug research and care.

The 21st annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference is an annual ritual for leading CF research scientists and clinicians to collaborate in an open and noncompetitive environment. Key topics will include:

• Advancements in drug discovery and development and the importance of clinical trials;
• Aztreonam lysine for inhalation as a potential new CF therapy;
• Quality improvement and patient outcomes;
• The importance of newborn screening; and
• Serving the Hispanic CF population in the United States.

Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease that affects approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. Ten million people are unknowing carriers of a CF gene. Fifty years ago, most children with CF died before reaching elementary school. Today, because of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-supported drug research and care, people with CF are living to a median predicted age of 37.

WHAT: 

The 21st Annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, the largest international gathering of leading cystic fibrosis research scientists and clinicians.

WHEN & WHERE:

Wed., Oct. 3 – Sat., Oct.  6, 2007 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, Calif.

PLENARY SESSION HIGHLIGHTS:

• Thurs., Oct. 4, 4:20 p.m. – “From Basic Science to the Clinic: Where Are We & What Is Still Missing?” Margarida D. Amaral, Ph.D., University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
  
  
• Fri., Oct. 5, 8:30 a.m. – “CF Drug Development: What’s New?” Felix Ratjen, M.D., Ph.D., The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario.
  
  
• Sat., Oct. 6, 9:00 a.m. – “Improving Patient Outcomes Using the Tools We Have Now” Michael Boyle, M.D., The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. 

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE WITH:

• Plenary speakers and other leading CF research scientists and clinicians 
• Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., President and CEO, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• Preston W. Campbell, M.D., Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the leading organization devoted to curing and controlling cystic fibrosis. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., the Foundation funds CF research, has 80 chapter and branch offices throughout the country, and supports and accredits a nationwide network of 115 CF care centers, which provide vital treatments and other CF resources to patients and families. For more information, visit www.cff.org.

Contact:  Laurie Fink: (301) 841-2602