This Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month we highlight Dr Elena Schneider-Futschik and her passion for CF research

The month of May is known globally as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition affecting over 3,700 Australians. There are over 2000 genetic mutations causing CF and symptoms vary from patient to patient.

A CF baby is born every 4 days.

^{Cystic Fibrosis Australia}

There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but treatment can ease symptoms, reduce complications and improve quality of life. But these medications will need to be taken for the rest of the patients life. Close monitoring and early, aggressive intervention is recommended to slow the progression of CF, which can lead to a longer life. Managing cystic fibrosis is complex, so patients need multidisciplinary teams of doctors and medical professionals trained in CF to evaluate and treat their condition.

There is a fantastic effort worldwide to improve treatments and find a cure.

Research by dedicated scientists and clinicians, across the world, from a wide range of disciplines are expanding our knowledge of CF, translating discoveries and insights into vital new treatments and clinical care practices for people living with CF.

The School of Biomedical Sciences’ Dr Elena Schneider-Futschik, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, is working on exciting research on cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator drugs and pregnancy.

Elena’s research has garnered world-wide attention and secured a US Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Grant, Cure4CF Impact Grant, the Bellberry New Investigator Award and the Japanese Respiratory Society ECR Development Award.

Elena is a passionate clinical researcher whose long-term career goal is to make pioneering break-through discoveries in the treatment and management of cystic fibrosis and other respiratory diseases.

What motivates me to excel in clinical pharmacy, is the direct impact I see as the result of my work on patients. By focusing my efforts on clinical research, I can see first-hand that my efforts bring positive benefits to patients with cystic fibrosis, and this further motivates me to keep excelling in clinical pharmacy to the best of my ability.

^{Dr Elena Schneider-Futschik}

Learn more about Cystic Fibrosis, pregnancy and Elena's work via her article published in Pursuit titled 'A new study hopes to find our whether cystic fibrosis could be treated in utero.'

Learn more about the Schneider-Futschik Laboratory

Cystic Fibrosis Australia
Cure4CF
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (US)