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PRenatal mOdulator treatment to PrEvent CF complicaTions (PROTECT) workshop report
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

PRenatal mOdulator treatment to PrEvent CF complicaTions (PROTECT) workshop report

Sylvia Szentpetery, Dara Riva, Yair J. Blumenfeld, John F. Engelhardt, Carmen Luna-Paredes, Carlos Milla, Elena K. Schneider-Futschik, Jeanne S Sheffield, Rebecca Darrah, Jane C. Davies, …
Journal of cystic fibrosis, Vol.24(6), pp.1058-1066
11/2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2025.07.015
PMID: 40754574
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2025.07.015View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

•Variant specific therapies (VST) are widely used by people with cystic fibrosis (CF).•Pregnant females were excluded from VST clinical trials; healthy control data exists.•CF animal models show rescue of some CF complications following in utero VST exposure.•Human case reports show that in utero VST exposure can rescue some CF complications.•We held a multidisciplinary workshop to discuss considerations for in utero VST use. Data from cystic fibrosis (CF) animal models and case studies suggests that in utero administration of CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators (variant specific therapies, VST) can rescue CFTR-related pathophysiology in the fetus. Use of VST during pregnancy to prevent disease in infants has not been systematically studied. Through stakeholder engagement, we sought to determine if formal research evaluation is warranted. We surveyed CF care center directors to assess their awareness of the potential off-label use of VST for in utero treatment of a fetus with CF. We then conducted a one-day, international multidisciplinary workshop to review available pre-clinical and clinical data, embryology principles and federal drug regulation considerations, identify knowledge gaps, and consider future clinical study designs. Sixty-two unique individuals responded to the survey; 92% were aware of use of VST to treat pregnant females who are CF carriers for the prevention of CF complications in the fetus. Expert workshop presentations suggested that use of VST in pregnant females carrying a fetus with CF to mitigate complications of CF is relatively safe and effective in animal models and human case series to date. Further research is needed to understand the optimal timing of VST initiation during pregnancy to improve clinical outcomes, to understand VST pharmacokinetics, and optimize dosing of VST during pregnancy and lactation, and to evaluate the long-term infant safety among those exposed to VST in utero. Based on available data and knowledge gaps, stakeholders agreed that formal evaluation of in utero and early life VST therapy in a prospective trial is warranted.
 CFTR modulator Meconium ileus Prenatal Variant specific therapy Vas deferens

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