About the Consortium

The UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium (UK CFGTC) is the unified research programme of the three leading gene therapy groups in the UK. It was established in 2001 on the initiative of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. The three member research groups are headed by Prof. David Porteous  at the University of Edinburgh, Drs Deborah Gill and Steve Hyde at the University of Oxford and Prof. Eric Alton at Imperial College in London. 

Our Aim

The UK has always been at the forefront of gene therapy for cystic fibrosis (CF) and the members of the Consortium have already demonstrated proof-of-principle of correction of the underlying defect in the airways of CF subjects. The aim of the Consortium is to combine the intellectual and practical resources of the three groups and avoid duplication of efforts thereby enhancing progress towards clinically relevant gene therapy for CF.

Communication

The success of the Consortium, which  consists of around 80 researchers spread over the three geographically distant sites, relies on regular communication between its members. All project leaders meet face-to-face every three months to present progress and prospectively discuss projects. These meetings are supplemented by smaller working groups (linking related projects) that communicate more often through phone-conferences, email and face to face to discuss more immediate practical issues.

Core Facilities

To ensure standardisation of results and high throughput, core facilities staffed by dedicated technicians have been set-up for the assessment of pre-clinical gene transfer.

 We would be interested to hear from any researchers who would like to test a gene transfer agent in these core facilities. For more information contact products@cfgenetherapy.org.uk.
 
     

Organisation and Peer Review

Organisation: A Strategy Group consisting of  representatives from each of the member groups oversees the running of the Consortium.  They are responsible for organisation, evaluating progress and strategic planning.

Peer Review: An independent Scientific Advisory Committee, appointed by the CF Trust carries out peer review of the Consortium. The members are Mrs Ruth  Angel, Prof.  Stuart Elborn, Mrs Donna Harcombe, Prof. Chris Higgins, Prof. Pierre Lehn, Prof. Karol Sikora and Prof. Brandon Wainwright.

Funding

The Consortium’s work is funded mainly by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The CF Trust funds medical and scientific research aimed towards understanding, treating and curing Cystic Fibrosis. It also aims to ensure people with CF receive the best possible care and support in all aspects of their lives.

The CF Trust is committed to raising £15 million to fund the work of the Consortium. Visit the CF Trust's website.
 

News and Information

News Recent CF & gene therapy news Press Releases for the Consortium VGX Pharmaceuticals sign multi-year production agreement with the Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium 12.05.08 VGX Pharmaceuticals announced that the company has signed a multi-year agreement to provide plasmid DNA to support the ongoing toxicology and clinical trials of the United Kingdom Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium.  Under the terms of the agreement, VGX will provide multiple batches of a CFTR product to support clinical studies planed to run to 2010. You can read the full press release here Other articles about the Consortium Times interview with Consortium member Please visit our Press Release Archives to view other articles.