Cystic Fibrosis Center selected to conduct research exploring treatments and a cure
Citing a record of exceptional care and innovation, the national Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CFF, has named the Cystic Fibrosis Center at University Health as one of the country’s three new therapeutic development centers, ensuring vital clinical trials will be available to patients in the South Texas region.
“We will be helping to advance the science of treating CF and offer our patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials with cutting-edge treatments,” said Dr. Donna Willey-Courand, co-director of University Health’s CF Center and director of its pediatric program. She is also a professor of pediatrics at UT Health San Antonio.
A history of serving both children and adults with cystic fibrosis
The selection of University Health as a center for advancing CF research comes as the CF Foundation again accredited the health system’s adult and pediatric programs. The pediatric program was first accredited in 2014 and the adult program in 2017. The CF Foundation is also awarding University Health the 2024 Quality Improvement Award. It recognizes outstanding efforts to adopt practices that lead to better outcomes for the more than 200 CF patients cared for at University Health.
“It’s all extremely important,” Courand said of the multiple honors. “The recognition reassures patients and their families that we are providing state-of-the-art care based on high national CFF guidelines.”
About cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited illness that can affect many organs, including the lungs and pancreas. In the lungs, thick mucus can clog the airways, leading to infection, inflammation and potential respiratory failure.
While medical researchers search for a cure, they are continuing to develop therapies that have led to patients living much longer, many into their 60s or beyond.
