Category Archives: Cf

Not everyone needs all of the protective features offered by a fully rugged laptop, but there are some situations where a greater degree of protection than is found on a standard laptop is welcome. According to Panasonic, field service engineers specialising in indoor maintenance and repairs is one use case.

Panasonic's semi-rugged Toughbook CF-54, newly equipped with a 7th-generation (Kaby Lake) Intel Core i5 processor, replaces the Toughbook CF-53, which we reviewed way back in October 2011.

There are three models on offer that share a range of core specifications, with some variation including around storage, RAM, and the 14-inch screen:

Entry Model Intel Core i5-7300U vPro processor, Windows 10 Professional, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 14-inch 1,366 x 768 pixel non-touch screen

Mid Model Intel Core i5-7300U vPro processor, Windows 10 Professional, 4GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 14-inch 1,920 x 1,080 non-touch screen

Premium Model Intel Core i5-7300U vPro processor, Windows 10 Professional, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 14-inch 1,920 x 1,080 touchscreen

The 14-inch Toughbook CF-54 runs on a 7th-generation Intel Core i5 processor and weighs 1.9kg, although this will rise if you customise the system with optional add-ons.

The Toughbook CF-54 officially becomes available in August, and at the time of writing Panasonic had not finalised pricing. However, I found the Mid Model online at a starting price of 1,389 (ex. VAT).

Its semi-rugged status makes the Toughbook CF-54 quite sizeable (345mm wide by 272mm deep by 29.8mm thick) and heavy, with a starting weight of 1.9kg -- which will rise as customisations are added to the two flexible configuration areas. One of these is a bay that can accommodate a second battery, a smartcard reader or a PC card instead of the standard DVD drive. The other is a configurable port that can be used for a second RJ-45 LAN port, d-GPS, or an additional USB port.

You can also add 4G LTE to the standard configuration, select different hard drive/SSD capacities, and upgrade the RAM to a maximum of 32GB. The standard ports and connectors are three USB 3.0, HDMI, RJ-45 LAN, nine-pin D-Sub (True Serial), and VGA ports, plus an SD card slot. These sit in small groupings under hinged covers that protect them from damage by dust and liquids (although we could not find a formal IP rating among the specifications).

The CF-54's ports and slots are protected by hinged covers.

The Panasonic Toughbook CF-54 benefits from a magnesium chassis, with magnesium plating used on all four of its sides. The lid and base sections are kept tight shut with a sizeable clasp to help the laptop stay shut during the rigours of transportation in tough environments. The lid section has the characteristic Panasonic Toughbook silver styling and sports a honeycomb effect that provides good protection from knocks. Panasonic says the Toughbook CF-54 will survive drops of up to 76cm (which is equivalent to the height of an average desk).

The keyboard and (relatively small) touchpad are both spill resistant, while Panasonic's characteristic carry handle is solid and easy to grip, and tucks away neatly when not in use.

Panasonic says battery life is up to ten hours. If the configurable bay is used to house a second battery, claimed longevity rises to 17 hours. Hot-swap capability means you can slot in a new battery without closing the Toughbook CF-54 down.

Lighter and more compact than the Toughbook CF-53, Panasonic's new semi-rugged CF-54 offers a solid, up-to-date choice for professionals requiring a well-protected laptop for moderately challenging field service work.

Follow this link:

Panasonic Toughbook CF-54, First Take: A semi-rugged laptop for field-service pros - ZDNet

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Digestive Cares Pertzye (pancrelipase) to be given to cystic fibrosis patients through a so-called G-tube a feeding tube delivering nutrition directly to the stomach through a hole in the abdomen.

Pertzye is an enzyme replacement therapy for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency caused by cystic fibrosis or other conditions.

Although cystic fibrosis is well-known for problems with the airways, mutations in the defectiveCFTR gene in patients can also affectother organs, like the pancreas. Thisorgan releases digestive enzymes necessary to break down food into the gut.

The CFTR protein is a channel that allows chloride ions to pass over a cell membrane, and the loss of this ability makes mucus in the pancreas sticky, preventing it from releasing enzymes.

As a result, attainingproper nutritioncan be difficult for cystic fibrosis patients, but pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy can significantly improve the intake of nutrients and prevent gut problems.

We are pleased to offer the first FDA approved G-tube administration of enteric-coated pancreatic enzyme microspheres through a gastrostomy tube. This will allow physicians and dieticians to work together with EPI [exocrine pancreatic insufficiency] patients who have G-tubes and their caregivers to determine which method of administration of Pertzye is most appropriate, Tibor Sipos, president and chief scientific officer of Digestive Care, said in a press release.

A compound that is enteric-coated is protected from being broken down in the stomach. It is not released until it reaches the small intestine, where pancreatic enzymes normally enter the gut.

To allow administration through a G-tube, researchers adapted a pediatric dose form of the treatment a capsule with 4,000 lipase units using smaller size pancreatic enzyme microspheres. This allowed the enzymes to pass through a feeding tube of French size 14 (a diameter of 4.67 mm or 0.184 inches) or larger.

Digestive Care, Inc. and Chiesi are committed to delivering therapeutic treatment options that meet the unique health needs of CF [cystic fibrosis] patients, said Alan Roberts, senior vice president of scientific affairs at Chiesi, which is Digestive Cares marketing partner.

We continue to support patients and caregivers alike, through exploring treatment options that bring innovative solutions to CF patients and our various touch points within the CF community, added Roberts.

The FDAs labeling revision approval is considered by Digestive Care a milestone achievement in Pertzyes development program.

Original post:

Digestive Care's Enzyme Replacement Therapy via G-tube Approved by FDA for CF Patients - Cystic Fibrosis News Today

Analyst's Bullish on these two stock Following meeting with Industry: CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF), Opko Health ... StockNewsJournal CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) market capitalization at present is $7.26B at the rate of $31.13 a share. The firm's price-to-sales ratio was noted 1.93 in contrast with an overall industry average of 3.75. Most of the active traders and ... and more »

Here is the original post:

Analyst's Bullish on these two stock Following meeting with Industry: CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF), Opko Health ... - StockNewsJournal

Key highlights this week include impressive data from Vertexs (VRTX - Free Report) cystic fibrosis (CF) pipeline while companies like Gilead (GILD - Free Report) and Puma (PBYI - Free Report) got FDA approval for their hepatitis C virus (HCV) and breast cancer treatments, respectively.

Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories

Vertex CF Data Impresses: Vertex got a major boost with positive data on three different triple combination regimens in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) who have one F508del mutation and one minimal function mutation (F508del/Min). These are the first data to show the potential to treat the underlying cause of CF in these patients, who have a severe and difficult-to-treat type of the disease. The company is looking to start a pivotal program in the first half of 2018. Vertexs shares were up significantly in pre-market trading.

CRL for Amgen/UCB Osteoporosis Drug: Amgen (AMGN - Free Report) and partner UCB got a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the FDA for Evenity (romosozumab), their investigational treatment for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. However, the CRL doesnt come as a surprise considering the emergence of a new safety signal in a late-stage study (ARCH). Although Evenity met both the primary endpoints and the key secondary endpoint in the study, the companies said that an imbalance in positively adjudicated cardiovascular serious adverse events was observed.

The FDA has asked the companies to include data from the ARCH study in the resubmission as well as data from the BRIDGE study in men with osteoporosis (Read more: Amgen Gets CRL for Osteoporosis Drug Evenity's BLA). Amgen is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock -- you can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

FDA Nod for Gilead HCV Drug: Gilead has added another drug to its hepatitis C virus (HCV) portfolio with the FDA granting approval to Vosevi, a single-tablet regimen for the re-treatment of adults with chronic HCV. Vosevi provides physicians with a new therapeutic option for their hardest-to-treat patients. However, Vosevi comes with a boxed warning regarding the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in HCV/HBV co-infected patients -- this could limit uptake.

Gileads HCV franchise, which was a major revenue generator, is under considerable strain due to new competition and pricing pressure. The company has underperformed the Zacks-categorized Medical-Biomedical/Genetics industry so far in 2017 with shares gaining 0.1% while the industry is up 8.9%.

Puma Up on FDA Approval of Nerlynx: Puma gained FDA approval for its breast cancer treatment, Nerlynx (neratinib), which has blockbuster potential. Nerlynx, the first approved drug in Pumas portfolio, is indicated for the extended adjuvant treatment of early-stage, HER2+ breast cancer, an aggressive type of tumor. This means that Nerlynx can be taken after an initial treatment so that the risk of the cancer coming back can be reduced further. Nerlynxs approval was in line with expectations considering a favorable advisory panel vote earlier this year. Pumas shares were up 8.5% on the news. Year-to-date (YTD), Pumas shares are up a whopping 204.4%.

Sarepta-BioMarin Settle Patent Dispute: Sarepta (SRPT - Free Report) and BioMarin settled their patent dispute regarding the use of Sareptas Exondys 51 and all future exon-skipping products for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The companies signed a licensing agreement providing Sarepta with global exclusive rights to BioMarins DMD patent estate for Exondys 51 and all future exon-skipping products. BioMarin has the option to convert the license to a co-exclusive right if it decides to proceed with an exon-skipping therapy for DMD. Terms of the deal include a one-time $35 million payment from Sarepta as well as certain milestone-based payments and royalties. Sareptas shares were down 3%.

Performance

Medical - Biomedical and Genetics Industry 5YR % Return

The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index was up 1.1% over the last five trading sessions. Among major biotech stocks, Biogen (BIIB - Free Report) was up almost 4%. Over the last six months, Vertex was up 60.2% while Alexion (ALXN - Free Report) was down 6.7% (See the last biotech stock roundup here: Arena Shoots Up on Study Data, CELG Inks Immuno-Oncology Deal).

What's Next in the Biotech World?

Watch out for earnings reports from companies like Biogen and Sarepta.

Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside?

Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana.

Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>>

See the original post here:

Biotech Stock Roundup: Vertex Boosted by CF Data, FDA Nod for Gilead, Puma Drugs - Zacks.com

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX - Free Report) announced data from three studies wherein three different triple combination regimens were evaluated for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). These led to pronounced improvements in lung function. Shares of the company surged more than 25% in after-hours trading following the announcement of the positive data.

So far this year, Vertexs shares have significantly outperformed the Zacks classified Medical-Biomed/Genetics industry. The stock has gained 79.4% compared with an increase of 8.8% registered by the industry.

Two phase II studies evaluated VX-152 (200mg q12h) or VX-440 (600mg q12h) and a phase I study evaluated VX-659, all three in combination with Kalydeco and tezacaftor for the treatment of CF patients with one F508del mutation and one minimal function mutation (F508del/Min). The primary endpoint of these studies was improvement in lung function measured by percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (ppFEV1). It measures the volume of air one can exhale in one second.

All the studies met their primary endpoints. The study evaluating VX-152 showed a mean absolute improvement of 9.7% points in ppFEV1 from baseline through two weeks versus placebo. The study on VX-440 showed an absolute change of 12% points in ppFEV1 from baseline to the average of the week 4 measurements versus placebo. The VX-659 regimen achieved a mean improvement of 9.6% points from baseline compared to placebo.

The data demonstrated the potential of the regimens to treat the underlying cause of CF in patients with severe and difficult-to-treat type of the disease rather than treating the symptoms. Also, the three different regimens were well tolerated in patients and most of the adverse events were mild to moderate in severity.

The company is also evaluating VX-152 or VX-440 in patients with two copies of the F508del mutation who are already receiving tezacaftor and Kalydeco combination. The initial data showed improvements in mean absolute ppFEV1 of 7.3% and 9.5% points.

Vertex fourth next-generation corrector under development is VX-445. A phase II triple combination (in combination with Kalydeco and tezacaftor) study on VX-445 is ongoing whereas the company expects to initiate phase II study on VX-659 early next month. Data from these studies are expected in early 2018. Thereafter, upon discussion with regulatory agencies, Vertex will initiate pivotal studies on one or more of these triple combination regimens in the first half of 2018.

We remind investors that Vertex remains focused on CF treatments. The company has two CF drugs Kalydeco & Orkambi in the market. Orkambi and Kalydeco together are approved to treat approximately 40% of the 75,000 CF patients in North America, Europe and Australia. They generated revenues of $481 million in the first quarter of 2017 together, which was 22% higher than the year-ago period.

On successful completion of these triple combination studies and subsequent approval, CF patients with minimal function mutations will also be eligible for treatment by Vertexs portfolio of CF drugs. This should significantly boost Vertexs sales.

Zacks Rank and Key Picks

Vertex currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Some other top-ranked stocks in the health care sector are Enzo Biochem, Inc. (ENZ - Free Report) , Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL - Free Report) and Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated (CORT - Free Report) . All the three stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Enzo Biochems loss estimates have narrowed from 12 cents to 7 cents for 2017 and from 11 cents to 3 cents for 2018 over the last 60 days. The company came up with positive earnings surprise in the last four quarters, with an average beat of 55.83%. Its share price is up 64.8% so far this year.

Exelixis earnings estimates remained stable at 17 cents for 2017 and moved up from 53 cents to 55 cents for 2018, over the last 30 days. The company delivered positive earnings surprises in the last four quarters, with an average beat of 512.11%. The stock is up 75.4% so far this year.

Corcepts earnings remained stable at 26 cents for 2017 and moved up from 51 cents to 52 cents for 2018, over the last 60 days. The company delivered positive earnings surprises in three of the last four quarters, with an average beat of 53.33%. The stock is up 70.9% so far this year.

Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside?

Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana.

Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we're targeting>>

Follow this link:

Vertex (VRTX) Triple Combination CF Studies Data Positive - Zacks.com

The Cerbat Gem

Investors must not feel shy to buy these stocks: CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF), Newfield Exploration Company (NFX) StockNewsJournal CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) market capitalization at present is $6.87B at the rate of $29.43 a share. The firm's price-to-sales ratio was noted 1.84 in contrast with an overall industry average of 3.74. Most of the active traders and ... Citizens Financial Group, Inc. - CFG - Stock Price Today - ZacksZacks Investment Research all 49 news articles »

The rest is here:

Investors must not feel shy to buy these stocks: CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF), Newfield Exploration Company (NFX) - StockNewsJournal

Real Madrid is having quite a busy off-season. The team has agreed to terms with English club, Chelsea, for the transfer of lvaro Morata. The transfer fee is believed to be for 85 million. In a brief statement, the Blues have said: Chelsea Football Club and Real Madrid have agreed terms for the transfer of Alvaro Morata to Stamford Bridge. The move is now subject to him agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

Agreement Chelsea-Real Madrid for 85 M + 9 M season, 5 years contract for #Morata @SkySport #Transfers #CFC pic.twitter.com/yYK04WPe6Y

Angelo Mangiante (@angelomangiante) July 19, 2017

The signing reportedly comes at the request of Antonio Conte, who had attempted to sign the Spanish international for Chelsea last summer. The Blues are looking for a new striker to replace Diego Costa who is reportedly leaving the club this summer.

Real Madrid have also confirmed the move, stating: Real Madrid C.F. and Chelsea F.C. have reached an agreement regarding the transfer of lvaro Morata, subject to the player completing his medical. The club wishes to express its thanks for the dedication, professionalism and exemplary conduct displayed by the player over the years, spanning his time in our academy right through to his spell as a member of the first-team squad.

Morata was first associated with the Spanish club in 2008 when he joined the Real Madrid youth team. He made his debut with the first team two years later in 2010 appearing in 52 games and scoring 11 goals. Most notably in 2013, Morata played the complete 90 minutes in El Clsico against FC Barcelona and provided the assist to Karim Benzema for the games opening goal. He transferred to Juventus for 20 million in 2014, successfully winning the domestic double of Serie A and Coppa Italia. However, Real Madrid exercised their buy-back clause to bring back Morata from Juventus for 30 million in June of 2016.

Earlier this year, Morata admitted in an interview with The Guardian that he expresses constant gratitude towards Conte. Morata stated: Conte is the manager who most bet on me, without even ever having had me in his team. Im very conscious of that: he bet on me for Juventus but left before I arrived; then he wanted me at Chelsea come what may. He knows me better than I could imagine, Im sure. And thats important, it motivates you to work hard, train well.

Morata concluded his praise, saying: I feel indebted to him because hes the coach that most trusted in me, most wanted me, who made me feel I could perform at the highest level.

With the transfer, Real Madrid inevitably loses depth at the striker position. Morata served as an excellent substitute option for Karim Benzema. Real Madrid will likely rely more on Gareth Bale to be a viable option in late-game minutes. Bale has often come on as a substitute later in games and has proven that he can provide a spark when the team needs it the most. The team will also turn to budding star Francisco Romn Alarcn Surez, otherwise known as Isco. The wing position opposite Cristiano Ronaldo has always been a relatively weaker point in the Madrid offense. Isco will be asked to service crosses into the box for both Ronaldo and Benzema and he has shown in the past that he is capable of such a task.

The departure of Morata will also open the door for young striker Nikolaos Vergos. The 21-year-old has spent his time on the third string but could potentially earn a spot with the second team. Vergos is a pure finisher with excellent technique. He is known for his ability to head the ball out of the air and create opportunities for himself. He also provides versatility given the fact that he can move to center-forward with no drop in productivity.

Real Madrid are also planning a bid of their own. The team is reportedly ready to make an offer to finally seal the transfer of Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe. The 18-year-old scored 15 goals and recorded eight assists last season.Mbappes price tag is rumored to be around 120 million with Real Madrid now ready to step up to the bid.

Student at George Mason University. Avid sports enthusiast covering the Carolina Panthers, Washington Wizards, and Real Madrid C.F.

Original post:

What the loss of lvaro Morata means for Real Madrid CF - isportsweb.com (blog)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VRTX) is up24%after hours on robust volume on the heels of its announcement of positive mid-stage results from three different triple combination regimens in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients who have one F508del mutation and one minimal function mutation, a severe and difficult-to-treat type of the disease.

Data from the Phase 2 trials showed mean absolute improvements in lung function of 9.7% and 12.0% as measured by percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (ppFEV1) in the regimens containing VX-152 and VX-440, respectively (in combination with tezacaftor and ivacaftor).

Phase 1 results showed a 9.6% improvement in ppFEV1 in patients treated with VX-659 + tezacaftor + ivacaftor.

In addition, preliminary data showed mean absolute improvements in ppFEV1 of 7.3% and 9.5% when VX-152 or VX-440 were added to tezacaftor and ivacaftor in CF patients with two copies of the F508del mutation.

No significant safety signals were observed.

Vertex has accelerated the development of Vx-445 and VX-659, both in Phase 2. Top-line data are expected in early 2018. Pivotal studies of at least one triple combo regimen will commence in H1 2018.

The company will host a conference call today at 5:00 pm ET to discuss the results.

The rest is here:

Vertex Pharma's triple combo regimens show positive effect in treatment-resistant CF patients; shares ahead 24 ... - Seeking Alpha

Shares of CF Industries (NYSE:CF) have dropped substantially over the past two years. The drop in share price can be attributed mostly to fertilizer prices decreasing substantially and input costs slightly increasing. However, markets have over exaggerated this through in the fertilizer price cycle and have left CF Industry shares undervalued with a high and safe 4% dividend.

CF data by YCharts

CF Industries' Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Make its Dividend Safe

CF Industries has positioned itself very well to survive the trough in the fertilizer price cycle and will easily be able to meet their planned capital expenditures, interest expense, and current dividend. After examining their Q1 Earnings Release, as of March 31, 2017, they had roughly $1.3 billion in cash and cash equivalents. On June 15, 2017, CF told investors that they received an $815 million tax refund. Therefore, I estimate they have around $2 billion in cash and cash equivalents. CF's current ratio and cash ratio show that they are in an excellent liquidity position to meet their current obligations.

CF Cash Ratio (Annual) data by YCharts

CF's operating cash flow provided $627 million in cash over the last 12 months. The company expects to have $400-450 million in capital expenditures in 2017. The company distributed $128 million to its non-controlling interest last year. Assuming that this year they have the same in operating cash flow, distribute the same to the non-controlling interest, and pay the same amount in common dividends, I estimate the company will have a decrease in cash of approximately $206 million. This would leave them with around $1.8 billion in cash starting 2018.

One last thing to consider is their solvency. According to their most recent 10Q, CF has $800 million in debt coming due in 2018 which they plan to pay back completely with cash. The next debt coming due would be in 2020 which is shown below. This leaves CF Industries with plenty of cash to continue paying their dividend while waiting for fertilizer prices to rebound.

Source: CF Industries 2017 First Quarter Form 10Q

CF Industry Has Positioned Itself for a Fertilizer Price Rebound

As we approach the bottom of the fertilizer price cycle, CF has positioned itself nicely by greatly increasing its fertilizer production capacity. According to their CEO Tony Will in their 2016 full year earnings release, capacity has increased 25% year over year. As you can see on the website Farm Futures, the price of fertilizers CF industries sells have dropped significantly over the last 2 years. Fortunately, as one of the lowest cost producers with access to cheap American natural gas, CF Industries will thrive as higher cost producers go bankrupt or shut down. Also as capital intensive as the business is, the company can still claim tax losses through depreciation and amortization to supplement cash flow.

Valuation Based on Changing Fertilizer Prices

When considering that fertilizer prices have the ability to rebound substantially from their recent bottoms, it appears that CF may be quite undervalued. The company has leveraged capacity in a way that when prices do rebound they will profit massively. As low-cost producers are forced out of the market, eventually supply will decrease and prices will rebound. If prices increase back to their 2015 levels, CF will be trading at a forward P/E of only 4.89. See the table I created below.

Source: Jones, Brock "Expected Net Income of CF Industries Based on Increased Selling Price"

Conclusion

It appears that CF Industries is not likely to cut their dividend and can safely pay it. They have plenty of funds to meet upcoming debt obligations, pay for capital expenditures, and reward shareholders with their 4% dividend yield. Although fertilizer prices may not rebound quickly, when they do CF is positioned very nicely to profit from it and likely be valued much higher. CF Industries appears to be a stock you can hold onto for the long run.

Disclosure: I am/we are long CF.

I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Additional disclosure: I am long CF call options.

Read more here:

CF Industries Is A Bargain; Their High Dividend Is Safe - Seeking Alpha

Many of us with pre-existing conditions have been following the news about the future of healthcare in the United States. It really matters to us. Those of us with cystic fibrosis are heavily reliant on accessnot only to the best doctors, but also to all of the medications we need to stay healthy. This delicate balance to keep ourselves out of the hospital is why we find ourselves nervous about any change to our healthcare system.

Kate Marshall is an 18-year-old patient with CFfrom Maine who will attend Elon University in North Carolina this fall. She recently sharedan article she wrote titled Living with cystic fibrosis I worry about the AHCAon Seacoastonline.com.

Kate starts outby writing about her 18thbirthday, a major milestone for those of us living with cystic fibrosis.

Turning [18] just a few days ago was a major celebration in my life. This is not only because I have officially entered adulthood, but have reached this milestone birthday living with a genetic disease: cystic fibrosis.

For the first time, we see that half of the CF population is older than the age of 18. This advancement is a direct result of the scientific advancements and the introduction of new therapies.

However, despite the fight to make it to make it into adulthood, the threat of a sub-par healthcare system threatens this hard work. The CF community is complex, and all forms of comprehensive insurance and assistance are needed.

As Kate states in her article, The American Health Care Act is a serious threat to not only myself, but to all residents of Maine living with a chronic illness. It is vital to have accessibility to adequate health insurance that will not come with higher premiums. As written, the AHCA allows states to let insurers charge higher prices to people with pre-existing conditions. Additionally, proposed annual and lifetime benefit caps, reduced eligibility and lack of adequate funding for Medicaid will negatively impact the course of my disease and all those living with any chronic condition.

Cystic fibrosis is not easy to treat. It can require many medications and a variety of different equipment. Each of these necessary therapies can be incredibly expensive.

Kate and many in the cystic fibrosis community and the CF Foundation share the same concerns. What is currently proposed is inadequate, and will have severe consequences on much of the CF community.

Congress has a moral responsibility to pass a plan that will support everyone, beyond those considered healthy, Kate writes. Disease transcends political party and does not discriminate due to social or economic status. Then why is our current plan in jeopardy of being replaced by a plan that discriminates based upon all of these factors?

***

Note:CysticFibrosis NewsToday is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those ofCysticFibrosis NewsTodayor its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cystic fibrosis.

Here is the original post:

Kate Marshall, 18, Expresses Concerns Over Healthcare Bill - Cystic Fibrosis News Today