Research Studies

4th May 2018

We have several exciting studies opening in the coming 12 months aiming to develop new treatments for CF. The aim of at least one of these studies will be to assess the effects of triple combination CFTR modulators in people with CF.

Research Studies Currently Open

If you are interested in taking part in any studies or are interested in learning more about CF research, please contact Jo Reely, CF Research Co-ordinator on 0121 424 2123.

SUPERB-CF – this study aims to develop a novel urine testing device to help detect chest infections (pulmonary exacerbations) in people with CF. Those taking part will be given a digital lung function monitor (spirometer) and asked to record their symptoms and provide a urine sample once daily for 4 months. After this 4-month phase 1 study, there will be an optional 4-month phase 2 study. In phase 2, participants will be asked to do the same daily procedures as during phase 1, but in addition will be asked to test a urine sample using a novel urine testing device on a daily basis. Participants will be encouraged to call our research fellow if they feel unwell to help detect and treat pulmonary exacerbations more promptly. In order to recognise the inconvenience of participating in the study, participants will be offered £200 for taking part in phase 1 and £300 for taking part in phase 2. In order to be eligible for these payments, participants will be required to collect a minimum of 70% of the urine samples specified in the study protocol.

VIRTUAL -CF – this study aims to assess whether providing more regular communication with the CF team during a course of home IV antibiotics is beneficial. Participants will be randomly allocated to either take part in videoconferences with the CF team, or else to receive routine care during a course of home IV antibiotics. Participants allocated to take part in videoconferences will be lent a digital lung function monitor (spirometer) and oxygen saturation monitor and will be offered 1-2 videoconferences with the CF team during the course of home IV antibiotics.

3D-CF – this study aims to validate a new method of screening for hearing loss in people with CF. Participants will be asked to have a standard hearing test (pure tone audiogram) and the new hearing test (high frequency digit triplet test), either when they are stable or at the start of a course of IV antibiotics. If hearing loss is detected, this may help in finding the cause and preventing your hearing becoming worse in future.