Pursuit: A new study hopes to find out whether cystic fibrosis could be treated in utero

Medications for cystic fibrosis are currently only approved for children over two, but new research aims to guide the safe use of treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Just five years ago, starting a family was almost unheard of for patients with cystic fibrosis.

Since the approval of modulator drugs –a breakthrough in cystic fibrosis– sufferers are now able to live longer, healthier lives. Pregnancy in women with cystic fibrosis has dramatically increased since these treatments became readily available, and with the knowledge a mother would live to watch her child grow to adulthood.

But this has come with its complications – it has been unknown if these treatments are safe for use during pregnancy, yet stopping these medications places the woman and pregnancy at risk.

Read the article via Pursuit, The University of Melbourne's online 'Magazine' channel.