Patrick Harrison, PhD, Joins Emily’s Entourage Scientific Advisory Board

As Head of the Gene Editing Lab at University College Cork, Ireland, Dr. Harrison led the group that reported the first successful correction of a CFTR mutation in a cell model of cystic fibrosis

Patrick Harrison, PhD, joins the Scientific Advisory Board for Emily’s Entourage

Lower Merion, PA — Sept. 19, 2022 — Emily’s Entourage (EE), an innovative 501(c)3 foundation that accelerates research for new treatments and a cure for the final 10% of people with cystic fibrosis (CF), including those with nonsense mutations, today announced the addition of Patrick Harrison, PhD, to its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). Composed of top researchers, clinicians, and health industry leaders, the SAB plays a critical role in identifying, evaluating, and facilitating scientific and clinical projects to expedite EE’s objectives.

Dr. Harrison is senior lecturer in molecular physiology and head of the CF Gene Editing Lab in the Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, at University College Cork, Ireland.

In 2012, the gene editing group led by Dr. Harrison reported the first successful correction of a CFTR mutation in a cell model of CF. Since then, his lab has successfully applied a range of new strategies to correct a number of premature termination codon (PTC) and splicing mutations with greater efficiency, with a focus on approaches that are amenable to clinical development.

“We are excited to announce the addition of Dr. Harrison to our Scientific Advisory Board and are grateful for his commitment to EE’s mission,” said Chandra Ghose, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Emily’s Entourage. “With the support of our SAB, we are well poised to accelerate breakthroughs and ensure that we are delivering highly impactful solutions for people with CF who do not benefit from current treatments.”

Dr. Harrison was the keynote speaker at the European Cystic Fibrosis Conference in 2017 where he presented his talk, “Gene Editing for CF: Heading Towards a Brave New World.” He is the chair of the CF Trust’s Research Grants Review Committee and is European Editor for the scientific journal Gene Therapy. He also supports research on other genetic diseases through Cystinosis Ireland and as a board member of The Irish Platform for Patients’ Organisations, Science and Industry.

“I’m delighted to join such a diverse panel of experts who are committed to fast-tracking research and drug development for rare and nonsense mutations that cause CF,” said Dr. Harrison. “Hopefully my background in gene editing can bring some additional ideas and options to the table.”

Dr. Harrison joins the following members on the Scientific Advisory Board:

• David M. Bedwell, PhD
• Jennifer Bomberger, PhD
• Kevin Foskett, PhD (board chair)
• Denis Hadjiliadis, MD
• Batsheva Kerem, PhD
• Jennifer Taylor-Cousar, MD, MSCS, ATSF
• Ted J. Torphy, PhD
• David B. Weiner, PhD

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About Emily’s Entourage
Emily’s Entourage is an innovative 501(c)3 foundation that accelerates research for new treatments and a cure for nonsense mutations of cystic fibrosis, a fatal genetic disease primarily afflicting the lungs and digestive system. Since 2011, Emily’s Entourage has awarded millions of dollars in research grants, launched a CF gene therapy company, developed a patient registry and clinical trial matchmaking program to accelerate clinical trial recruitment, and led worldwide efforts to drive high-impact research and drug development.  The organization has been featured in national media, including the New York Times, STAT, CNN, People, and more. Learn more at emilysentourage.org. 

Media Contact
Ashling Knight
Director of Marketing and Communications
Emily’s Entourage
ashling@emilysentourage.org