Stanford Medicine researchers find drug combination improves lung mucus clearance in cystic fibrosis animal models

Two existing drugs synergize to improve lung mucus clearance in animal models of cystic fibrosis, a Stanford Medicine study found. The combination of formoterol and methacholine, already FDA-approved for other uses, showed enhanced mucus clearing in animal tests. Researchers are planning human trials to assess its effectiveness. This discovery could offer a new treatment avenue for cystic fibrosis patients, particularly those unresponsive to current CFTR modulator therapies, and potentially benefit other respiratory conditions.