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Chris Fortner, MD, PhD (photo by Jim Howe) Chris Fortner, MD, PhD (photo by Jim Howe) About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed in the United States each year, and more than 75 percent of those cases are diagnosed before a patient turns 2 years old. More than half of the people with cystic fibrosis, or CF, are 18 years or older, and their life expectancy has increased dramatically in recent years. About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed in the United States each year, and more than 75 percent of those cases are diagnosed before a patient turns 2 years old. More than half of the people with cystic fibrosis, or CF, are 18 years or older, and their life expectancy has increased dramatically in recent years. Chris Fortner, MD, PhD, Chris Fortner, MD, PhD, is optimistic about a new medication. He explains what life is like for people who have CF, a degenerative genetic disease, and what sorts of therapies are helpful. is optimistic about a new medication. He explains what life is like for people who have CF, a degenerative genetic disease, and what sorts of therapies are helpful.