CFTR modulators are a class of drugs designed to treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis. The term "CFTR" stands for Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator, which is a protein responsible for regulating chloride and sodium ions across epithelial cells. Mutations in the CFTR gene disrupt this process, leading to the thick, sticky mucus characteristic of cystic fibrosis.
