Hole-punching antifungal used as molecular prosthesis for cystic fibrosis

Amphotericin, an antifungal drug that can punch holes in cell membranes, could replace the broken ion channels in cystic fibrosis patients’ lung tissue.¹ Tests in cell cultures and pigs engineered with the disease showed that the compound restores the lung’s ability to release bicarbonate, which is essential for the organ’s functioning. The team behind the work is now pushing for clinical trials.