The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will support the INCubator for Antibacterial Therapies in Europe (INCATE) Venture Partner Program, which connects academic researchers and startup companies with infection research experts who can help them advance the early-stage development of treatments for drug-resistant infections. The collaboration offers strategic benefits in shaping the development of anti-infectives and reinforces our commitment to fighting drug-resistant infections that pose a serious problem for people with CF. 

The mission of INCATE is to help promising research move out of university labs and into companies that can develop new treatments for difficult-to-treat infections, such as Pseudomonas and nontuberculous mycobacteria. The nonprofit is made up of 8-10 industry representatives, investors, and antimicrobial development experts who select and guide early-stage companies. 

A Foundation representative will serve on INCATE’s selection committee, giving the Foundation a voice in funding decisions and early insight into emerging antimicrobial technologies. The opportunity also allows the Foundation to build relationships with infection-focused innovators for possible future investments and help to guide companies interested in developing antimicrobial therapies for bronchiectasis and infections that are common to people with CF. (Bronchiectasis occurs when infections or other conditions damage the walls of the airways, causing them to widen and be less able to clear mucus.)

The collaboration is just one part of the Foundation’s overall strategy to address chronic, difficult-to-treat infections that are the unfortunate hallmarks of life with CF. Other work includes developing new approaches to break down biofilms — protective structures that shield bacteria from both the immune system and antibiotics — improving diagnostic tools, exploring phage therapy, and finding better ways to use existing treatments.

By supporting efforts to address antimicrobial resistance, the Foundation is working to advance its mission of helping people with CF live long, fulfilling lives.