At Vertex, the cystic fibrosis (CF) project was known as the “fantasy project.”
“Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease so complex that finding a treatment seemed impossible, but that didn’t stop us,” says Fred Van Goor, Vice President of Cystic Fibrosis Research at Vertex. “For two decades we worked tirelessly talking to people with CF, experimenting in our laboratories and testing potential new medicines in clinical studies. We used this knowledge to try a new treatment approach — synthesizing molecules that help fix a broken version of the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) protein that causes CF. Through successive steps, the impossible is now possible.”
Watch Fred share more about our unwavering commitment to the cystic fibrosis community and how they continue to inspire our work in the video below.
About Science of Grit
Science of Grit shares the story behind our 20+ year journey in cystic fibrosis (CF) and a closer look at our CF drug discovery process. These animated videos feature scientists and leaders from our San Diego R&D site and our international headquarters in London, and illuminate the creativity, drive and determination involved in designing and developing potential medicines that aim to improve the lives of people living with CF.
View additional videos below to learn more:
-
Taking a patient-first approach to clinical trials, featuring Mark Higgins, Senior Director of Clinical Development
-
Our commitment to patients, featuring Rebecca Hunt, VP, Patient and Community Engagement