The CFaCore (Cystic Fibrosis animal Core Facility) service provides a range of expertise, services and infrastructure to enable researchers working on cystic fibrosis studies to use preclinical animal (murine) models of the disease for pathogenetic and therapeutic research. The Service also aims to translate fundamental knowledge into clinical applications, fostering the development of new strategies for treating cystic fibrosis. With over a decade of experience, CFaCore has become an essential pillar of the FFC Ricerca Network, supporting projects that advance from in vitro studies to in vivo research.

To date, CFaCore has developed and supplied animal models and specific treatments such as pharmacological tests, chronic infection models for evaluating antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, and clinical observations for 50 projects funded by FFC Ricerca. The CFaCore service has also contributed to cystic fibrosis research, with findings published in a total of 43 scientific articles.

Furthermore, CFaCore offered a training service on the use of animal models to 5 research groups from 4 Italian universities (Verona, Milan, Chieti and Siena) and organized a “Murine models, molecules and way of administrations” meeting at the University of Roma Tre in 2016.

Throughout 2024, amid a wealth of promising results in cystic fibrosis research, FFC Ricerca has continued to support the Service, thanks to the generosity of those who choose to embrace the mission.

To find out more, please check the presentation by Dr. Alessandra Bragonzi, head of CFaCore, held on 15 January 2024 during the FFC Ricerca Research Services webinars cycle.