SI H.S. Athlete of Month testifies at FDA about cystic fibrosis drug
Sports Illustrated'sDecember High School Athlete of the Month, Kate Marshall, testified at the FDA on Tuesday to approve a cystic fibrosis drug, reportsSI's Ali Fenwick.
Marshall was diagnosed with the genetic disorder cystic fibrosis at eight months old. It is a rare, life-threatening disorder that causes the lungs to fill up with mucus and also affects the digestive system.
An FDA advisory committee met Tuesday to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the ivacaftor/lumacaftor combination drug (Orkambi). By a 12-to-1 vote, the committee recommended the FDA approve the drug, according to Xconomy.com. The FDA holds the final decision and is expected to make one by July 5.
Along with Marshall, other CF researchers, clinicians and patients were on hand to testify to a panel of independent medical experts and community representatives.
Marshall attends York High School in Maine, where she plays both soccer and lacrosse in addition to playing soccer year-round on a club team. She attends physical therapy twice a day and became a starter on the varsity team at York this year.
For more on Marshall, check out Fenwick's story on her here.
- Molly Geary
