<http://schema.org/articleBody>
" A new drug designed to treat adults with cystic fibrosis has been approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in England and Wales. Some adults may now be offered mannitol dry powder, which is inhaled by the user and increases the clearance of mucus from the lungs to maintain lung function, reduce inflammation and prevent bacterial infection. Final draft guidance from NICE states that the treatment may be offered to adults who cannot use inhaled mucolytics or other osmotic agents, and whose lung function is declining rapidly. Professor Carole Longson, director of the institute&amp;#039;s Health Technology Evaluation Centre, observed that cystic fibrosis has a &amp;#039;major impact&amp;#039; on patients&amp;#039; quality of life. &amp;#039;The [independent appraisal] committee concluded that mannitol was a good use of NHS resources when treatment was offered to those who cannot use [alternative treatments] hypertonic saline or rhDNase and whose lung function is rapidly declining.&amp;#039; Around 8,000 people are affected by cystic fibrosis, which clogs up the lungs, digestive system and other internal organs with thick, sticky secretions. NICE&amp;#039;s decision to approve mannitol in people with the inherited disease has been welcomed by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Director of clinical care Jo Osmond said: &amp;#039;We firmly believe that mannitol helps to relieve the burden of treatment and care for people with cystic fibrosis.&amp;#039; "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/conditions/lungs/news/a23085/new-cystic-fibrosis-drug-gets-green-light/>