Daphne Koller cites the advancements in cystic fibrosis treatment as an example of how traditional drug development methods, when applied intelligently, can lead to breakthroughs. By understanding the genetics of the CFTR gene and the specific mutation causing cystic fibrosis in 30% of patients, scientists developed a small molecule drug that helps the protein fold correctly. This has transformed cystic fibrosis from a death sentence at age 20 to a condition where 90% of patients now have effectively normal lives.