June 2003

Julie Feldman MPH RD, Clinical Dietitian

Now that the weather is finally getting nice, picnics and barbeques are on everyone's calendar.  What is significant about these seemingly fun gatherings for CF patients is the risk of food borne illness.  While I am certainly not telling you to avoid a family barbeque, I do want you to all be aware of what dangers may be lurking.  The CDC estimates that 76 million cases of food-borne illness occur each year, resulting in 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths annually.  Those with a compromised immune system are even more susceptible.  Don't forget about the 3 C's of food safety when you are dining in your backyard or in someone else's. The 3 C's are to cook to the proper temperature (> 160 degrees for most meet, >180 degrees for poultry.)  Clean and avoid Cross-Contamination, and lastly Cool quickly to temperatures below 40 degrees.  If you have any questions regarding food safety, please contact me at any time.

Drug Success

Chiron Corporation proudly announced results of their inhaled Tobi study at the 26th European Cystic Fibrosis Conference in Belfast.  The study followed 184 CF patients ages 6-15 years.  The study showed that patients using TOBI in conjunction with routine care were significantly less likely to be hospitalized for respiratory symptoms or to be treated with oral antibiotics than those undergoing routine care.

Cystic Fibrosis Research, Inc. is proud to present the16th annual educational conference from July 25-27th entitled Medical Updates and Life Skills.  The conference  is being held at the 4 star Sofitel Hotel San Francisco Bay, Redwood City, California.  Leaders in the field will be there to present.  For more information visit www.cfri.org

Corus Announcement

Corus Pharma announced May 28th that they have filed an Investigation New Drug application with the FDA for aztreonam formulated for inhalation and that they have dosed their first cystic fibrosis patient in a Phase Ib study.  Corus 1020 is an inhaled antibiotic therapy with a broad spectrum of activity against bacteria. The drug is delivered directly to the lung for improved efficacy against lung infections.

Transplant Hopes

Chiron corporation has acquired rights to worldwide development of aerosolized cyclosporine to be used as an inhaled therapy  for treatment of acute rejections in lung transplant recipients.  The company is using its expertise with inhaled treatments like TOBI to reach this unique niche in the care of respiratory patients.

Have You Visited Trader Joe's

Have you been lucky enough to visit your local Trader Joe's Market.  With 2 locations in Metro Detroit (14 Mile Road at Northwestern Highway and on the east side of Woodward between 11 and 12 mile roads), there is no excuse not to go check out their wide variety of easy to cook, affordable and of course healthy options.  Throughout the market you will find tempting treats including Shrimp Fried Rice that is frozen and low in fat.  Keep your eye open for the Heaven's Bistro Pizza as well.  A low-fat and delicious option for those of you are keeping an eye on your waistline!  You will be pleasantly surprised from the beautiful produce to the scrumptious snack foods.