The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators ivacaftor and lumacaftor are prototypic examples of how basic science approaches, using high-throughput screening, translate into real clinical benefits [1–3]. However, with current CFTR modulation seemingly occupying ‘front page news’ of innovative therapies in CF lung disease, other promising pharmacotherapeutic strategies in CF may not receive the attention they deserve. To address these issues, we have commissioned a basic review series in the Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, comprising three state-of-the-art review articles: (i) understanding and targeting inflammation in CF [4], (ii) perspectives of targeting ion channels in CF [5] and (iii) how ‘omics’ and high-throughput approaches can be utilized to mec...