Chest
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The underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF) is the loss of epithelial chloride and bicarbonate transport due to mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene encoding the CFTR protein. Ivacaftor is a gene-specific CFTR potentiator that augments in vivo chloride transport in CFTR mutations affecting channel gating. ⋯ We report marked clinical improvement, normalization of spirometry, and dramatic reduction in radiographic structural airway changes after > 1 year of treatment with ivacaftor in a young adult with the compound heterozygous genotype P67L/F508del CFTR. The case suggests that ivacaftor may have a potential benefit for patients with CF with nongating mutations.