The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the cystic fibrosis foundation therapeutics development network

Pearson, Kelsie; Mayer-Hamblett, Nicole; Goss, Christopher H.; Retsch-Bogart, George Z.; VanDalfsen, Jill M.; Burks, Patricia; Rosenbluth, Daniel; Clancy, John Paul; Hoffman, Amy; Nichols, David P.

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) global pandemic significantly impacted CF clinical research within the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics Development Network (CFF TDN). A Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) survey was developed and sent to network sites to monitor and understand the impact on research teams, ongoing and anticipated clinical research, and specific clinical and research procedures. Key findings indicated an early impact on participant enrollment, research team stability, and procedures such as spirometry and sputum induction. These trends steadily improved over the months as research activities began to recover across the TDN. While SARS-CoV-2 created a significant challenge it also highlights new opportunities to expand CF research with greater focus on data collection outside of research centers and increased access for remote participation.