What the trial was testing
The ARRIVAL enrolled 57 patients with cystic fibrosis. The study was sponsored by Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.
It was a large trial designed to confirm whether the treatment works well enough for wider use. Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.
What the results showed
Sweat chloride dropped by 73.5 mmol/L on average after 24 weeks of treatment.
The Lancet. Respiratory medicine · 2018 · NCT02725567
These findings — that a large reduction in sweat chloride shows the drug is working to improve CFTR function — were published in the The Lancet. Respiratory medicine and represent the headline result of the study.
Researchers tracked outcomes across 57 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.
What this means for patients
For patients with cystic fibrosis, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.
What you can do now
Ivacaftor is FDA-approved for young children with cystic fibrosis and certain gene mutations, including those as young as 12 months. If your child has cystic fibrosis, ask your doctor about genetic testing to see if ivacaftor is right for them. Starting treatment early may help protect the pancreas.
Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.
Open cystic fibrosis trials
Surrogate Markers of Response to New Therapies in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
The purpose of this study is to determine which biological marker, or association of biological markers, best predict clinical response of cystic fibrosis patients to CFTR modulators.
High-Intensity Interval Exercise in Bronchiectasis Patients
The aim of our study is to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on the symptoms of bronchiectasis in patients with the disease. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does HIIE improve respiratory function in patients with bronchiectasis? 2. Does HIIE increase functional capacity, peripheral muscle strength, and quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis? 3. Does HIIE reduce the severity of dyspnea, cough symptoms, and fatigue in patients with bronchiectasis? The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Participants were divided into two groups: intervention and control. Participants will: The intervention group will receive HIIE training three days a week along with airway clearance techniques. The control group would receive only airway clearance techniques. Airway clearance techniques will be provided clinically (three days a week) and at home, according to the needs of the individuals each day of the week.