Cystic Fibrosis clinical trials at UCLA

This is a phase 1b/2 study of a single dose of intravenous (IV) bacteriophage in males and non-pregnant females, at least 18 years old, diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). This clinical trial is designed to assess the safety and microbiological activity of bacteriophage product WRAIR-PAM-CF1, directed at Pseudomonas aeruginosa in clinically stable CF individuals chronically colonized with P. aeruginosa. WRAIR-PAM-CF1 is a 4 component anti-pseudomonal bacteriophage mixture containing between 4 x 10^7 and 4 x 10^9 Plaque Forming Units (PFU) of bacteriophage. Enrollment will occur at up to 20 clinical sites in the United States. In stage 1, two eligible subjects will be assigned to each of the three dosing arms receiving a single dosage of the IV bacteriophage therapy (4 x 10^7 PFU, 4 x 10^8 PFU, and 4 x 10^9 PFU; total of 6 sentinel subjects), followed by 30 ± 7 days observation period. If no SAEs (related to the study product) are identified during the 96 hours after bacteriophage administration for all Sentinel Subjects in Stage 1, the study will proceed to Stage 2. In Stage 2a, 32 subjects will be enrolled into one of 4 arms (placebo IV, 4 x 10^7 PFU, 4 x 10^8 PFU, and 4 x 10^9 PFU) in a 1:1:1:1 allocation. An interim analysis will be performed after all subjects have completed follow up visit 7 on Day 30 to select the IV bacteriophage dose with the most favorable safety and microbiological activity profile. During Stage 2b, subjects will be randomized into the bacteriophage (dose selected based on Interim Analysis following Stage 2a) or placebo arm. The final sample size is expected to be up to 72 subjects total with up to 25 subjects in the placebo arm and up to 25 subjects in the Stage 2b bacteriophage dose.

Lung transplant is an option for treating end-stage lung disease in cystic fibrosis (CF). In the United States, more people with CF and low lung function die each year than undergo lung transplant. More than half of people with CF who die without a lung transplant were never referred for consideration. Patient preference not to undergo lung transplant may account for 25-40% of decisions to defer referral. Rates of death without transplant are higher for people with CF who are members of marginalized communities, including those with Black race, Hispanic ethnicity, or low socioeconomic status. Increasing awareness of lung transplant among people with CF, and promoting understanding of the risks and benefits of transplant, can potentially reduce the number of people with CF who die without a lung transplant. The CF Foundation (CFF) lung transplant referral guidelines were developed to optimize the timing of referral for lung transplant. These guidelines recommend annual conversations with people with CF once their forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) is <50% predicted. Considering lung transplant as a treatment option before it is medically needed will allow more time to learn about lung transplant and address any barriers to lung transplant that may exist. Investigators are interested in understanding how people with CF use lung transplant educational resources and how one prepares for having discussions and/or making decisions about lung transplant as a treatment option for advanced CF. The purpose of this study is to test whether a research website improves patient preparedness for discussions about lung transplant. Investigators also aim to understand whether there are unique factors that affect people with CF from communities with decreased access to transplant ("communities of concern"). Study involvement will span 6 months and study activities will involve the following: - Four Zoom research sessions (15-30 minutes each) - Survey assessments - Access to a research website that contains educational resources about lung transplant - Audio recording of a routine CF clinic visit to determine if and how lung transplant is discussed between a participant and his/her/their CF doctor