The CF Trust supports the European CF Clinical Trials Network. Working across large research centres in Europe, the CTN aims to intensify clinical research in the area of cystic fibrosis and to bring new medicines to the patients as quickly as possible. UK centres in the CTN are Belfast, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham and the Royal Brompton Hospital in London.

A clinical trial - or study - is an important stage in the development of new treatments for diseases. Each potential new treatment must first be tested in patients in a controlled way to establish that that it is both safe and effective. Clinical trials are highly regulated and subject to strict controls to ensure that the participants in a trial are not put at risk. Find out more about the clinical trial process.

Participants in clinical trials are the key to new treatments in Cystic Fibrosis. Research cannot move forward without them. But before agreeing to take part in a clinical trial, all participants should understand what will be expected of them and must give informed consent to enter the trial. Find out more about how participation works and the pros and cons of taking part in a clinical trial here.

There are different types of clinical trials. Many involve new drug treatments, but some may also look at prevention of illness, non-drug treatments, diagnosis and ways of improving quality of life.

You can see a list of the current CF clinical trials taking place in the UK.