Top Takeaways From Our 2026 Spotlight on Research Webinar

On June 17, members of the cystic fibrosis community from across Canada joined us for a live bilingual webinar exploring some of the newest research being funded by Cystic Fibrosis Canada, made possible through the generosity of our donors. From diabetes to stubborn lung infections to the importance of community involvement in research, the session offered a look at the questions researchers are working to answer and how those answers could improve life with cystic fibrosis. 

Understanding cystic fibrosis-related diabetes 

• Dr. Sylvie Lesage, Deputy Vice-Principal Research and Full Professor at the Université de Montréal was awarded a CF Canada Seed Grant, co-funded with Diabetes Canada for her research focused on understanding cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD), which affects 1 in 3 people with CF. 

Dr. Lesage explained that as people with cystic fibrosis are living longer thanks to advances in treatment and care, CFRD has become increasingly common. Unlike type 1 or type 2 diabetes, CFRD develops differently, and researchers are still working to understand exactly why. 

Her team is studying how the CFTR gene affects not only the pancreas but also the immune system. Specifically, they're investigating whether certain immune cells contribute to inflammation that damages the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. By identifying which immune cells are involved, she hopes to better understand how CFRD develops and uncover new opportunities for earlier diagnosis and future treatments. 

A new approach to treating stubborn lung infections 

• Dr. Joel Finbloom, Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia, awarded a three-year early career scientific investigator award for his project that focuses on developing nanotechnology-based treatments designed to target chronic lung infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Dr. Finbloom was honoured with the Marsha Morton Early Career Investigator Award and the Cathleen Morrison Award for this project.  

Dr. Finbloom explained that one of the biggest challenges in CF lung infections is that bacteria often form biofilms (protective layers that act almost like a shield). These biofilms make it difficult for antibiotics to reach and eliminate the bacteria inside, allowing infections to persist. 

His research is exploring whether tiny, engineered nanoparticles can carry antimicrobial treatments deeper into these biofilms and reach bacteria that would otherwise be protected. While the work is still in its early stages, his approach has shown encouraging results and could one day lead to more effective treatments for lung infections. 

Exploring the mental health and emotional impacts of CFTR modulators  

The webinar concluded with a presentation from Dr. Jonathan Rayment, pediatric respirologist at BC Children’s Hospital and researcher at the University of British Columbia and the medical lead for CF Canada’s national clinical trials network - working closely with the organization to bring clinical trials to more Canadians with CF. Dr Rayment's project was awarded Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s first ever Clinical Trial Planning Grant. 

Dr. Rayment shared how his research will explore the mental and emotional impacts of CFTR modulators, an area that has received far less attention than the physical effects of these life-changing therapies. While modulators have transformed care for many, they can also bring emotional and psychological challenges as people adjust to a new reality. 

Dr. Rayment also spoke about the value of engaging the cystic fibrosis community in research, particularly research that affects their care and experiences. For this project, which is designed as an important step toward future clinical research, people living with cystic fibrosis, families and healthcare providers will help inform the work and ensure community perspectives are considered from the outset. 

Watch the recording 

Together, these presentations highlighted the many ways cystic fibrosis research is moving forward. While each project focuses on a different challenge, they all share the same goal: improving the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis. 

Watch the full webinar recording to hear directly from the researchers and learn more about the exciting work underway.