Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. Research in CF patients has demonstrated that increased arginase activity correlates directly with worsened lung function and decreased airway nitric oxide, promoting pathogen colonization. Preclinical studies have validated arginase inhibition as a therapeutic approach in CF, and have demonstrated that inhibiting arginase may reduce infection and improve lung function in people with CF.

CB-280, a unique oral arginase inhibitor, for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, or CF, patients. Calithera, completed a Phase 1 single ascending dose trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile of oral CB-280 in healthy volunteers. In July 2020, Calithera initiated a Phase 1b clinical trial (NCT04279769) in adult patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic airway infection.

In November 2021, we presented interim data from the Phase 1b trial at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference. The poster can be found here.