Antiverse, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation team to develop new antibodies. They will be designed to bind to hard-to-reach region of CFTR protein Antiverse has entered into a research collaboration with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to develop novel antibodies targeting CFTR, the protein whose dysfunction causes cystic fibrosis (CF). The collaboration will specifically focus on designing antibodies that bind to the extracellular region of CFTR, the portion of the protein that's outside the cell and a target that has historically been difficult to reach with conventional drug discovery approaches. Antiverse will use its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven antibody design platform to generate and test antibodies predicted to bind to this region of CFTR with high specificity. The goal is to identify candidates that could serve as the basis for new therapies for people with CF. The collaboration comes on the heels of a Series A financing round in which Antiverse raised $9.3 million to expand its AI platform, advance its pipeline of therapeutic antibodies, and strengthen strategic collaborations. Series A is an early funding round that typically occurs after a company has reached key development milestones and moved beyond the initial startup stage. The round was led by Soulmates Ventures, with participation from Innovation Investment Capital, Domino Ventures, and existing investors DBW, Kadmos Capital, and the i&i Biotech Fund. "Many biologically important targets have remained difficult to drug using conventional antibody discovery methods," Murat Tunaboylu, co-founder and CEO of Antiverse, said in a company press release. "This Series A financing enables us to scale our generative antibody design platform, accelerate our internal pipeline, and expand strategic collaborations such as our work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, where our technology is applied to explore challenging targets like extracellular CFTR." Recommended Reading Researchers exploring additional strategies to target CFTR. CF is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which provides instructions for making a protein of the same name. The CFTR protein sits on the cell membrane, where it acts like a gate, helping to regulate the flow of chloride ions in and out of cells. When CFTR is missing or defective, thick, sticky mucus can build up in the lungs and other organs, leading to most disease symptoms. Current CF treatments often rely on CFTR modulators. These therapies bind to specific faulty versions of the CFTR protein within cells to increase the protein's functionality. However, not all patients are eligible to receive, or respond to, currently available modulators, leaving some people without targeted treatment options. Researchers are therefore exploring additional strategies to target CFTR. One approach involves developing antibodies that bind to the extracellular region of the protein. Targeting this region, however, remains a significant challenge because only a small fraction of CFTR sits outside the cell, and many of those parts are masked by sugar molecules. Antiverse's technology is designed to help address this challenge. Using its AI-driven antibody design platform, which was developed over several years of training on difficult protein targets, Antiverse will first create a library of antibodies predicted to bind to the extracellular region of CFTR. Antiverse is tackling one of the most technically demanding problems in drug discovery. Candidate antibodies will then be screened using the company's proprietary "lab-in-the-loop" workflow, in which antibodies are tested in engineered cell lines that produce large amounts of the target protein, increasing the likelihood of identifying strong binders. Promising antibody candidates will then be transferred to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's dedicated lab for further testing in cell models that naturally express CFTR. The collaboration aims to support the rapid evaluation of emerging therapeutic approaches for CF and help accelerate progression from early discovery to patients. According to the company, its AI-supported platform can design therapeutic antibody candidates in less than four months. "Antiverse is tackling one of the most technically demanding problems in drug discovery," said Michal Sikyta, managing partner at Soulmates Ventures. "The team's ability to reduce the development time for de novo therapeutic-grade antibodies in a defined domain to under four months is a significant scientific and operational achievement." Which best describes you? Michela Luciano, PhD Michela Luciano is a Science Writer at BioNews. Originally from the picturesque mountain town of L'Aquila, Italy, Michela holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Salzburg, where her research focused on the role of inflammation in acute myeloid leukemia. With a deep passion for scientific communication, Michela transitioned into her first role as a scientific writer in 2022. Outside of work, she enjoys street photography, mountain hikes, running, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

3rd Annual Cupids, Cocktails & Crafts to Benefit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation feb. 12-15. During the 3rd Annual Cupids, Cocktails & Crafts To Benefit The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, many restaurants and breweries in Charlotte, Fort Mill, Rock Hill, and more, are donating $1 from select craft beers, specialty drinks/cocktails, glasses of wine and selected cuisine to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Participating venues. Olde Mecklenburg Brewing/2 locations, Dressler's, Fin & Fino, Chapter 6, Dogwood, Mama Ricotta's & Little Mama's (on food items), FM Eatery, Armor Artis Brewing, Lake Wylie Brewing, Salmeri's, The Garrison, Margaux's, Brixx Pizza/4 Locations, Flipside Restaurant, Hobo's/2 Locations, Towne Tavern/4 Locations, Hoof & Barrel, Flipside Cafe, Hi-Wire Brewing, CCB Bistro & Vine, The Porter's House, Lore Brewing, Waxhaw Taphouse, Emmet's Social Table, Mary O'Neill's, Paco's Tacos & Tequila, Midwood Smokehouse, Yafo Kitchen, Phat Burrito, Fratelli, Copper Premium Pub, Local Draft, Rock Taco, Burgers & Barley, Bear Walrus, Sip & Cinder, The Journeyman, Calle Sol & Whit's Frozen Custard (Milkshakes/Whitsers). Double-Check before you head out! On The Cheap Inc. make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the cheap is 100% accurate. However, sometimes things change without notice, and On The Cheap Inc. is not always notified. It's also possible that On The Cheap Inc. can make a mistake.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation launches Five-Year Strategic Plan to fuel progress for people with Cystic Fibrosis. The Five-Year Strategic Plan (5YSP) will focus the Foundation's priorities across all areas of its mission: Cure, Care, and Community. Today, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation released the Five-Year Strategic Plan (5YSP). This plan guides its mission-driven work to improve the lives of all people with cystic fibrosis. A guide to drive progress. The 5YSP represents its vision over the next five years and how CFF, limited will focus on what matters most for people with CF. CFF, limited developed the plan based on input from the CF community, scientific data, its unique capabilities, and its operating environment today. To ensure the plan reflects the essential needs and priorities of people with CF and their families, the Foundation incorporated insights from a comprehensive survey of CF community members. Building toward better outcomes for all. Thanks to advances in science and care, many people with CF are living longer. While that's something to celebrate, aging with CF brings new health challenges - calling for dedicated research and sustained access to specialized care. The 5YSP aims to strike a balance between advancing the science needed to attain a genetic cure for all people with CF and delivering the necessary treatment and care for a population whose CF manifestations and experiences vary. Driving impact in Cure, Care, and Community. CFF, limited continue to pursue progress with purpose across all areas of its mission: Cure, Care, and Community. In Cure, CFF, limited is establishing the core scientific infrastructure needed to propel the next era of CF research and development. In Care, CFF, limited is developing new approaches to help people with CF receive the right level of care as their health needs evolve, supporting access to the specialists needed to deliver high-quality, personalized care. In Community, CFF, limited will continue to deliver trusted and timely information, advocate together for people with CF, and optimize its fundraising strategies to raise the robust financial support needed to achieve its long-term goals. Looking ahead. Throughout these next five years, CFF, limited will advance science and care with clear focus, agility, and partnership with the extraordinary CF community. To learn more about the 5YSP and download the full plan, go to cff.org/5yearplan. About the CF Foundation Its 2020 - 2024 Long-term Strategic Plan: Guiding Meaningful Progress Honoring CF Foundation Co-Founder and Trailblazer, Doris F. Tulcin CF Foundation Is Investing Up to $11 Million to Support Ongoing Gene Therapy Trial Join CFF, limited for its virtual National Annual Meeting Jan. 14, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET. CFF, limited'll share its next strategic plan, its guide to accelerating progress across all areas of its mission.