Genzyme, a Sanofi company, and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics, the nonprofit affiliate of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, have signed a research agreement to support the discovery of new drugs to treat people with the most common mutation found in patients with CF, Delta F508.

The program’s focus is to identify compounds known as “correctors,” which may aid in the ability of the malfunctioning CFTR protein found in CF patients to operate correctly. In the Delta F508 mutation, the CFTR protein does not move to its proper place at the cell surface, impeding the flow of fluids into the airways. Nearly 90% of people with CF have at least one copy of the Delta F508 mutation.

In this collaboration, researchers will evaluate different compound libraries for correctors for Delta F508, and will take advantage of the vast compound libraries of both Genzyme and Sanofi. The research will take place throughout several Genzyme and Sanofi R&D facilities globally.

“We are delighted to enter into a research collaboration with Genzyme, a company that has long dedicated itself to improving the lives of people with rare diseases,” said Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., president and CEO of the CF Foundation. “Genzyme’s capabilities and resources will help the CF Foundation accelerate its effort to find drugs to treat the most common mutation in CF and have the greatest impact on those with this disease.”