Bijal Trivedi - History of Cystic Fibrosis

Bijal Trivedi, MS is an award-winning journalist and author of Breath from Salt, a book about the history of cystic fibrosis (CF). Breath from Salt is a story of a breakthrough in modern medicine that chronicles the discovery & characterization of the cystic fibrosis, the formation of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and how their unprecedented collaboration with Vertex Pharmaceuticals has resulted in treatments that significantly improve the quality of life for patients with CF. In this episode, we discuss the key discoveries that led to the characterization of cystic fibrosis as well as the timeline of drug development efforts, which have ultimately yielded a therapy that treats >90% of patients with CF. Bijal highlights the critical role of women researchers/physicians and cross-institutional collaboration that was required along every step of the way. Finally, we talk about the pathbreaking role of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in pioneering the venture philanthropy model and uniting funding sources, patients & families, physicians, and the biotech industry around a common mission.

Hosted by Joe Varriale and Roshan Chikarmane.