February 2003

Julie Feldman MPH RD, Clinical Dietitian

It is February, the sweetest month of the year.  The time to say I love You to all of your loved ones and caregivers that have helped you stay healthy and happy over the last 12 months.  So from all of us at the CF clinic to all of you at home, Happy Valentines Day.  May your coming year be filled with love and laughter!!!.

Another Orphan Drug

Duramycin otherwise known as Moli1901 has received orphan drug designation in Europe.  This drug is manufactured by MoliChem Medicines, Inc.  The intention of this drug is to treat the specific pulmonary diseases associated with CF.  The drug works by returning lung clearing mechanisms to their normal function.  MoliChem Medicines is a company specifically targeting the treatment of serious respiratory conditions.

If you are looking into invitro fertilization as a means to create a healthy child, you may be in luck.  Pre implantation genetic diagnosis is now available for patients at Monash IVF Gold Coast with single gene disorders and for those who require chromosome screening.  This would allow couples to test for common conditions including CF, thalassemia, Huntington's disease, myotonic dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and fragile X.  This avoids having to make a difficult decision regarding the termination of a pregnancy at a later gestational age after implantation.

Targeted Genetics

Targeted Genetics Corp. has announced that its prior partnership with Celltech Group has been terminated.  Targeted Genetics Corp has taken over full rights of the program which develops gene therapy products for treating acquired inherited diseases.  Other diseases that are being focused on include hemophilia, arthritis, cancer and AIDS prophylaxis.

Purdue University has managed to transform the terrible ebola virus into a delivery truck for gene therapy.  The research team replaced the infection-causing genes of Ebola with helpful genetic material as one step in the process.  They have also been able to make the virus more easily replicable, and more effective at delivering genes to defective cells.  Since Ebola most commonly affects the lungs, this type of therapy will be most effective in treating pulmonary diseases.  Keep your eyes on West Lafayette for more information.

From Martha Stewart

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs) that can prevent the adhesion of certain of bacteria, including E. coli, associated with urinary tract infections to the urinary tact wall. The anti-adhesion properties of cranberry may also inhibit the bacteria associated with gum disease and stomach ulcers.

Recent scientific research shows that cranberries and cranberry products contain significant amounts of antioxidants and other phytonutrients that may help protect against heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

Dried Cranberry Shortbread Hearts

Makes about 1 1/2 dozen 1 3/4-inch hearts

This simple shortbread recipe is patted firmly into a baking pan; shapes are cut with a cookie cutter.

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 3/4 cup sifted confectioners' sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries or cherries     1.  Heat oven to 325° with a rack in center. Combine butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, flour, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Beat with a wooden spoon until combined but not too creamy. Stir in dried cranberries.     2.  Pat dough evenly into an 8- or 9-inch-square baking pan. Bake until just beginning to turn golden, about 20 minutes. Place pan on cooling rack until cool enough to touch, about 20 minutes. Run knife around edges, remove shortbread, and transfer, right side up, to work surface. Use 1 1/2- to 2-inch heart cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Use a paring knife to trim stray bits of cranberry from edges. Cookies will keep for 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container.       Photograph by: Gentl & Hyers