The aim of our research is to understand, treat and cure Cystic Fibrosis. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the major funder of medical and scientific CF research in the UK. Our research falls into two main categories:

1. Gene therapy - We currently invest over £3 1/2 million each year in a programme of research into gene therapy to make it a clinical reality in the foreseeable future. Gene therapy aims to add a healthy copy of the faulty CF gene to the lung. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust has brought together over 50 of the UK's leading CF scientists to drive this research forward through the UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium. The scientists have developed a product, which they plan to take to clinical trial in 2008. It is estimated that these trials will cost at least an additional £6 1/2 million.

2. Other Medical and Scientific research - We support research aimed at curing and treating the symptoms of CF and improving the lives of those living with the condition. We currently spend around £1 million a year on non-gene therapy research which will have important and/or imminent clinical benefit to those with Cystic Fibrosis.