Plenary 1: Six Years of Highly Effective Modulator Therapy and Beyond: Reflecting Back & Looking Forward

Presentation Date: Thursday, October 23, 202

Join Claire Keating, MD, from Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and Marcus Mall, MD, from Universitätsmedizin Berlin, for a plenary session examining the transformative impact of CFTR modulators as a form of precision medicine in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Although these therapies were a significant breakthrough, gaps in understanding and challenges remain. During the plenary, the speakers will reflect on key understandings from the development and clinical use of modulators, highlighting both anticipated benefits, expansion of use, and unanticipated outcomes. Next generation therapeutic approaches, including ion transport therapies that work beyond CFTR, will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the clinical benefits and challenges of CFTR modulators, pulmonary and non-pulmonary

• Summarize existing gaps in our clinical understanding as it relates to CFTR modulators

• Describe emerging therapeutic approaches for cystic fibrosis treatment, including the development of next-generation CFTR modulators and alternative ion transport therapies

Plenary 2: A Breath of Fresh Age: Redefining Growing Older with CF

Presentation Date: Friday, October 24, 2025

As people with cystic fibrosis live longer, fuller lives, we must adapt to the evolving challenges and opportunities that come with growing older with a chronic condition.

Dr. Ahmet Uluer will discuss longevity science as it applies to CF and describe holistic strategies for managing CF through the decades, moving beyond pulmonary considerations. The importance of establishing healthy habits will be explored by Dr. Karen von Berg, emphasizing the role of exercise in promoting musculoskeletal health, preventing disease, and supporting long-term physical function throughout life.

The speakers will further advocate for proactive and personalized care strategies, integrating preventative care and regular screenings into treatment plans, and fostering an approach to health management that supports both physical and mental well-being as the CF community grows older.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the evolving health needs of people with CF as they age and the impact on various body systems beyond the lungs

• Discuss the importance of an active lifestyle and the role of exercise, muscle development, bone health, and disease prevention to promote healthy aging
• Identify personalized, proactive approaches to growing older with CF, including preventative measures, regular screenings, and collaborative approaches to enhancing health outcomes and quality of life

Plenary 3: Until It's Done for Everyone: Addressing Health Disparities & Transforming the International Landscape of Cystic Fibrosis Care

Presentation Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

During this plenary, the speakers will explore how recent advances in cystic fibrosis care have expanded the horizon of what is possible for people with CF, while also sharing data that highlights the health disparities that prevent equitable access to these advances. Jennifer L. Taylor-Cousar, MD, MSCS, from National Jewish Health, will examine the biological, socioeconomic, and systemic factors shaping outcomes, and offer tangible strategies to bridge existing gaps. Hector Gutierrez, MD, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, will provide a global perspective, showcasing innovative adaptations in low-resource settings, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure and partnerships to translate access into outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how recent advances in CF have unevenly expanded the possibilities for people with CF

• Describe the biological, socioeconomic, and systemic factors influencing CF outcomes and identify actionable strategies to improve outcomes
• Identify the global adaptations in CF care in low-resource settings that can be leveraged to improve outcomes
• Understand the barriers that international care teams face in the efforts to achieve an effective partnership