Author Archives: Iqra Mumal, MSc

Surgeons were able to successfully transplant a donor’s left lung into the right side of a patient’s lung cavity, according to a case report of a patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) — suggesting that this technique can be used under challenging situations in which donor lungs are not…

Reducing the decline of forced vital capacity (FVC), a measure of lung function, can improve the quality of life, and lower the mortality rates and financial burden of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a new study has found. The study, titled “Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) decline,…

Changes in blood levels of surfactant protein-A (SP-A) — immune proteins most abundant in the lungs — can help predict treatment outcomes with anti-fibrotic therapies, including Esbriet and Ofev, in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a study found. According to the new study, serial measurements…

Statins, a class of medications widely prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease and stroke, may be an effective treatment for  idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a study suggests. The study, “Screening for YAP Inhibitors Identifies Statins as Modulators of Fibrosis,” was published recently…

Boehringer Ingelheim has acquired the worldwide exclusive rights to Enleofen‘s interleukin-11 (IL-11) platform, designed for the treatment of fibrotic diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis. This newly established partnership brings together Boehringer Ingelheim’s expertise and substantial pipeline in fibrotic diseases, and Enleofen’s knowledge of IL-11 biology. Enleofen…

Galecto Biotech and PharmAkea, two clinical-stage pharmaceutical companies with robust pipelines in fibrotic diseases and cancer, have merged into a single company. Following the merger, the combined company will maintain the Galecto name, as well as its current senior management team, which includes Hans Schambye as CEO. Galecto,…

People with pulmonary fibrosis living in the Mercer and Bucks County regions of New Jersey and Pennsylvania now have access to a new pulmonary rehabilitation program. The program, launched by Capital Health in December, will be located at the Wellness Center at Capital Health Medical Center –…

A mutation in the gene ZCCHC8 leads to abnormalities in the structure of telomeres, the protective caps at the end of the DNA, leading to the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a new study shows. The study, titled “ZCCHC8, the nuclear exosome targeting component, is…

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) and Three Lakes Partners are joining forces in the fight against pulmonary fibrosis (PF), according to an announcement to mark National Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month in September. Three Lakes Partners will provide funding to PFF to help the foundation reach its goals of…

A protein called GDF15, which is secreted by a type of lung cells, is increased in the lungs and blood of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a study shows. Supported by this finding, researchers believe that GDF15 may serve as a biomarker to help identify people who have…