Clinical Research Directory

Natural History of Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension

Background: \- Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension (NCPH) is caused by liver diseases that increase pressure in the blood vessels of the liver. It seems to start slowly and not have many warning signs. Many people may not even know that they have a liver disease. There are no specific treatments for NCPH. Objectives: \- To learn more about how NCPH develops over time. Eligibility: \- People age 12 and older who have NCPH or are at risk for getting it. In the past year, they cannot have had other types of liver disease that typically result in cirrhosis, liver cancer, or active substance abuse. Design: * Participants will have 2 screening visits. * Visit 1: to see if they have or may develop NCPH. * Medical history * Physical exam * Urine and stool studies * Abdominal ultrasound * Fibroscan. Sound waves measure liver stiffness. \<TAB\>- Visit 2: * Blood tests * Abdominal MRI * Echocardiogram * Questionnaire * Liver blood vessel pressure (hepatic venous portal gradient (HVPG)) measurement. This is done with a small tube inserted in a neck vein. * They may have a liver biopsy. * All participants will visit the clinic every 6 months for a history, physical exam, and blood tests. They will also repeat some of the screening tests yearly. * Participants with NCPH will also have: * Upper endoscopy test. A tube inserted in the mouth goes through the esophagus and stomach. * At least every 2 years: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy. * At least every 4 years: testing including HVPG measurements and liver biopsy. * Participants without NCPH will also have: * Liver biopsy and HVPG measurements to see if they have NCPH. * Every 2 years: abdominal MRI and stool studies. * The study will last indefinitely.

Hormonal Responses to a Mixed Meal in People With Cystic Fibrosis

In this exploratory study, the hormonal responses to a mixed meal will be examined in people with cystic fibrosis. The aim of this study is to find correlates with impaired glucose tolerance that is associated with this population.

Assessing Tenapanor as a Treatment of CF-related Constipation.

Tenapanor is the newest FDA-approved drug for IBS with constipation (IBS-C). This study seeks to understand tenapanor as a treatment for cystic fibrosis-related constipation (CFrC) in CF patients. Participants will ingest one 50 mg tablet of tenapanor, twice daily, for a 4-week treatment period. They will also complete three questionnaires, the PAC-SYM, PAC-QoL, and IBS-SSS, and daily diaries to characterize GI symptom burden and spontaneous bowel movement (SBM) frequency.

A Phase 2 Study Evaluating Safety and Tolerability of RCT2100 (CFTR mRNA) in Healthy Participants and in Participants With CF

This is the first-in-human study with RCT2100 and is designed to provide safety and tolerability data for future clinical studies.

Remote Sputum Collection in Cystic Fibrosis

Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor or Trikafta improves lung health in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), including decreased cough and mucous production. Diagnosing lung infections has become more challenging due to the decrease in sputum and rise of telehealth services. While the option of collecting sputum samples at home and sending them by mail may be feasible, uncertainty remains about how the collection of samples outside of clinic and delays in testing while in the mail impact infection detection. This study will compare bacterial cultures using sputum samples collected at home versus samples collected in clinic (saline-induced sputum and throat swab). This study seeks to shed light on how valuable home collected samples can be and help us better understand the usefulness of home-collected sputum samples for both clinical and research purposes.

Trikafta in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

This clinical study will enroll 42 participants without the F508del mutation, carrying partial function or N1303K mutations not approved for Trikafta, and who are not expected to be approved for CFTR modulator treatment in the immediate future. Each participant will be given Trikafta for approximately four weeks. The study researchers will monitor clinical endpoints that include forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and sweat chloride. Additionally, the researchers will obtain skin biopsy material and/or blood sample from each subject so that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can be modified into airway cell monolayers and tested for response to Trikafta. In this way, the study will evaluate an emerging and readily accessible in vitro endpoint as a predictor of clinical response. This study will serve as a pilot/test case for other clinical protocols relevant to patients with rare CFTR variants who do not currently receive modulator therapies.

Study to Evaluate Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA) Long-term Safety and Efficacy in Subjects Without F508del

This study will evaluate the long-term safety, efficacy and pharmacodynamics of ELX/TEZ/IVA in participants with cystic fibrosis (CF) with at least 1 non-F508del ELX/TEZ/IVA-responsive CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutation.

Evaluation of VX-828 in Healthy Participants and in Participants With Cystic Fibrosis

The purpose of the study is to evaluate safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of VX-828 and VX-828 in triple combination (TC) with Tezacaftor (TEZ)/ VX-118 or TEZ/ deutivacaftor (D-IVA) in healthy participants and VX-828 in combination with D-IVA with or without TEZ in participants with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Streamlined Treatment of Pulmonary Exacerbations in Pediatrics

The STOP PEDS RCT is a multicenter, parallel, open label randomized controlled trial evaluating the long-term (one year) and short-term safety and efficacy of two antibiotic treatment strategies for the management of outpatient pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) in the pediatric CF population.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring and OGTT Screen for Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes in Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) related diabetes (CFRD) is a unique form of diabetes mellitus, different from type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The diagnosis of CFRD is associated with a decline in pulmonary function, decreased nutritional status, and increased mortality. CFRD is extremely common in people with CF, occurring in approximately 40-50% of adults with CF. Impaired glucose tolerance or dysglycemia is also very common in CF. It is standard of care to screen for CFRD annually from the age of 10 years with a two-hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) with 75 g dextrose. The gold standard screening for CFRD is the OGTT which is problematic as it is time consuming for patient and staff and adherence to annual screening is low among CF centers. Survival has improved dramatically with the advent of CFTR modulators and it is presumed that the incidence of CFRD will increase with increased life expectancy. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) has developed the oldest disease specific patient registry, consisting of approximately 35000 patients, so there is vast historical information available on individual patients and larger datasets on the CF community as a whole. Based on the 2021 CFF patient registry data, the current life expectancy for CF patients born between 2017 and 2021 is 53 years - a 15 year increase from a decade ago.

Impact of Telerehabilitation Training on Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Patients: An Exploratory Study

Fitness in patients with Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an important biomarker associated with higher survivability and improved quality of life. CF patients are encouraged to maintain an active lifestyle, however, while physicians are able to prescribe airway clearance measures or specific medications, there is no prescription for exercise or avenue to promote exercise outside the clinic or hospital.

Implementation of a Clinical Tool to Improve Waitlist Mortality in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

Implementation of a Clinical Tool to Improve Waitlist Mortality in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

HERO-2: Home-Reported Outcomes With CFTR Modulator Therapy

This is an observational cohort study, using data from Folia Health and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry (CFFPR). Individuals taking elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) may be enrolled through the Folia application. During the 12-month study period, participants will be asked to track their routine treatment and medication usage, daily symptoms, and monthly review with validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires. Participants will also be asked to self-report instances of changes to their treatment plan, and pulmonary exacerbations. There are no study-associated site visits.

A Study Evaluating the Long-term Safety and Efficacy of VX-121 Combination Therapy

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of VX-121/tezacaftor/deutivacaftor (VX-121/TEZ/D-IVA) in participants with cystic fibrosis.

Role of Genetic Factors in the Development of Lung Disease

This study is designed to evaluate the genetics involved in the development of lung disease by surveying genes involved in the process of breathing and examining the genes in lung cells of patients with lung disease. The study will focus on defining the distribution of abnormal genes responsible for processes directly involved in different diseases affecting the lungs of patients and healthy volunteers. Optional CT Sub-study The standard CT scan will be compared to the low dose radiation CT scan for the 150 subjects enrolled in the sub-study to assess the variation between the two techniques. Specifically, the quantitative computer aided detection of lung CT abnormalities from LAM can be compared to assess whether low radiation dose CT exams is an alternative to conventional CT to monitor disease status. This optional sub-study will be offered to up to 100 adult subjects with lung disease and up to 50 children age 9 and older with CF. Children will not be enrolled in the optional CT sub-study unless they have had a standard CT scan for medical purposes to use in comparison. One additional low dose radiation CT scan of the chest may be done as part of this sub-study when these subjects have their next annual CT scan.

Peer i-Coaching for Activated Self-Management Optimization in Adolescents and Young Adults With Chronic Conditions

The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of a peer support coaching intervention to improve activated chronic illness self-management versus an attention control group in 225 adolescents and young adults with childhood onset chronic conditions.

A Phase 1b/2 Trial of the Safety and Microbiological Activity of Bacteriophage Therapy in Cystic Fibrosis Subjects Colonized With Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

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 Walter Reed Army Institute of Research- PAM-Cystic Fibrosis1 (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 plus or minus 7 days observation period. If no Serious Adverse Events (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 5 on Day 8+3 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.

Dose Escalation Study Evaluating the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of VX-581 in Healthy Participants

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single dose of VX-581 and multiple ascending doses of VX-581 alone and in combination with tezacaftor (TEZ)/deutivacaftor (D-IVA) or D-IVA for up to ten days.

Natural History of Bronchiectasis

Background: * Bronchiectasis is a disease characterized by airways that are inflamed, abnormally dilated, and chronically infected. Individuals with bronchiectasis have a history of chronic and recurring respiratory infections. Depending on the underlying cause, these infections may involve the entire respiratory tract, resulting in sinus, ear, and lung disease. * Bronchiectasis continues to be a significant problem in developing countries and in specific groups of individuals, particularly in people who have cystic fibrosis. Although treatments are available or under development for bronchiectasis related to cystic fibrosis, many of the disease-specific treatments may not be effective for bronchiectasis not related to cystic fibrosis. Objectives: \- To study the natural history of bronchiectasis to identify inherited and immune factors that may explain why certain individuals have chronic recurring infections. Eligibility: * Individuals 5 years of age and older who have an established diagnosis of bronchiectasis or a history of chronic/recurring respiratory infections. * Direct family members (e.g., parents, siblings, children) of patients in the study may also be asked to participate. Design: * Potential participants will be screened with an initial clinic evaluation and full medical history, as well as a general quality of life and respiratory symptom questionnaire. * The following standard procedures may be done as part of the study: air sampling from the nose; imaging studies, which may include an x-ray or computed tomography (CT), lung function tests; and collection of samples of blood, urine, and sputum (phlegm or mucus). Other tests may be performed as required by the researchers, and will be explained to patients as needed. * Both patients and relatives (if asked to participate) will provide the following samples: blood or buccal (cheek swab) cells for genetic testing, sputum, and urine. * To prevent infections and potential disease progression, patients may receive standard medical care and treatment for bronchiectasis and related infections during this protocol.

Study to Evaluate Biological & Clinical Effects of Significantly Corrected CFTR Function in Infants & Young Children

This is a two-part, multi-center, prospective longitudinal, exploratory study of highly effective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators and their impact on children with cystic fibrosis (CF).

High Resolution Micro OCT Imaging

The purpose of this study is to learn about using the imaging to make images of the lungs and nose with the long-term goal of the research leading to potential treatments and new therapies for patients with cystic fibrosis.

Standardizing Treatments for Pulmonary Exacerbations - Aminoglycoside Study

The purpose of this study is to look at pulmonary exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) that need to be treated with antibiotics given through a tube inserted into a vein (intravenous or IV). A pulmonary exacerbation is a worsening of respiratory symptoms in people with CF that needs medical intervention. Both doctors and CF patients are trying to understand the best way to treat pulmonary exacerbations. This study is trying to answer the following questions about treating a pulmonary exacerbation: * Do participants have the same improvement in lung function and symptoms if they are treated with one type of antibiotic (called beta-lactams or β-lactams) versus taking two different types of antibiotics (tobramycin and β-lactams)? * Is taking one type of antibiotic just as good as taking two types?

Osteopathic Treatment in Adult Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

To study the contribution of osteopathy on the reduction of pain in adult patients with cystic fibrosis

Quantitation and Spatial Registration of Airways Dysfunction With Dynamic 19F MRI in Cystic Fibrosis

The purpose of this study is to look at lung ventilation in people with cystic fibrosis over time (1 year) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with an inhaled contrast gas, and compare these measures to lung function assessed by spirometry and multiple breath nitrogen washout. This study also looks at how these measures change in response to a pulmonary exacerbation and treatment (if applicable). Over the span of a year, participants would be asked to complete 3-5 visits to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). with each lasting up to 4 hours. If participants do not have a pulmonary exacerbation during the year they would be asked to complete 3 visits (one at enrollment, a second roughly 2 weeks later, and the third approximately a year later). If participants do experience a CF pulmonary exacerbation they would complete 5 visits (Visit 1, Visit 2, two exacerbation visits with one before treatment and the other after, and Visit 3 at one year after Visit 1). Only one exacerbation per participant will be tracked. Participants are eligible for this study if they are 18 years old or older, have Cystic Fibrosis (CF) with mild lung disease (FEV1 \>/= 60%), and can undergo an MRI. There are no known benefits for participating in this study.