Research & Programs

Emily’s Entourage (EE) drive high-impact research, information exchange, and collaboration to accelerate breakthroughs for individuals in the final 10% of the cystic fibrosis (CF) population that do not benefit from existing mutation-targeted therapies. 

The work supported by EE is particularly critical because lifesaving medications have been developed to treat the underlying cause of CF for roughly 90% of the CF population that have resulted in radical improvements in health. Unfortunately, for those in the final 10%, CF remains the same progressive, fatal disease that it has always been. While EE remains focused on speeding research and drug development for the final 10%, EE’s research has the potential to benefit not only people with CF, but also millions of people with genetic diseases as well as those combating antibiotic-resistant infections for whom there are no existing treatments.

Strategic Approach

In partnership with its Scientific Advisory Board, EE uses strategic research priorities to guide its targeted financial investments in research projects with the greatest potential for near-term impact. This results-oriented approach to expedite research is paradigm shifting and a sharp departure from the norm, where the scientific community drives research direction and progress can be fragmented and inefficient.

Research Grants

EE requests, evaluates, and funds meritorious scientific research grants each year with a focus on genetic-based approaches to correct CF mutations that do not benefit from existing CFTR modulators and anti-infectives to treat intractable infections that drive disease progression and mortality among those with CF. Learn more about EE’s funding opportunities.

Scientific Symposia

EE hosts scientific symposia that bring together the world’s top CF minds from academia, clinical care, and the biopharmaceutical industry. The goal of these symposia is to generate multi-disciplinary discussions, exchange ideas, share data and updates, and foster partnerships to expedite research and drug development for individuals in the final 10% of the CF population.  

Cell and Animal Models

EE has developed an array of validated cell and animal models and tools, including immortalized cell lines, induced pluripotent stem cells, airway epithelial cells, murine models, and organoids. These samples serve as a platform to better understand how nonsense and rare CF mutations work and to screen early drug candidates, playing a critical role in accelerating drug development. View EE’s research resources.