Breathing New Life Into Venture Philanthropy

Speakers included: Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., president and CEO of the CF Foundation; Joshua Boger, Ph.D., president and CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals; and Pamela L. Zeitlin, M.D., Ph.D., co-director of the CF Center at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. They highlighted the CF Foundation's pioneering collaborative approach with private sector programs, which has set a new standard for investment in life-saving research.

"We changed the paradigm," said Beall at the event. "As a result, we have created a pipeline of nearly 30 products for the treatment of CF. We have introduced new therapies that have a profound impact on the quality of life for cystic fibrosis patients."

The CF Foundation is grateful to the Congressional Cystic Fibrosis Caucus and its co-chairs, Reps. Edward Markey (D-MA) and Cliff Stearns (R-FL), for hosting this briefing. With more than 100 members of Congress, the CF Caucus' mission is to educate elected officials about cystic fibrosis and spur action on issues that concern the CF community.

To get involved in the CF Foundation's advocacy efforts, contact publicpolicy@cff.org.