Leading the Way in Cystic Fibrosis Research

The Cystic Fibrosis Research Program is extremely active at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. The central focus of this program resides in the Pediatric Pulmonary Division, but the Research Center includes over 20 investigators in eight departments, including both clinical and basic science departments. The goal for the center is to have a continuum between the basic science work and the final Phase III clinical trials.

World’s First Stem Cell Trial for People with Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that limits the ability to breathe over time. UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s is a leader in the mission to find lifesaving therapies for children and adults with this devastating diagnosis.

Our board-certified pulmonary specialists participate in ongoing clinical trials and research, including the world’s first stem cell clinical trial for people with CF. Participants receive an infusion of an adult stem cell, which could hold the key to reduced inflammation and infection among CF patients. The trial will offer cystic fibrosis specialists a first look at how stem cell treatment could improve quality of life for people with a cystic fibrosis diagnosis.

The CF stem cell trial at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital is funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It is part of an extensive pediatric pulmonology research portfolio that includes eight active studies in asthma, 29 active studies in CF, one active study in pulmonary hypertension and two active studies in primary ciliary dyskinesia.