Magdalena Kegel,  —

Wide access to potential molecular drug targets to treat pulmonary fibrosis is now possible, as researchers have mapped the complete set of genes active in individual lung cells from patients with idiopathic lung fibrosis and from healthy people. The analysis, called single-cell RNA sequencing, also made it possible to single out several…

A higher fat-free mass index — a measure that takes a person’s muscle mass into account — predicts better survival in patients with pulmonary fibrosis, while body mass index (BMI) does not, according to a new study. Although researchers could not explain how body composition impacts disease progression, the findings may provide another…

Bristol-Myers Squibb has acquired exclusive worldwide rights to Nitto Denko’s antifibrotic drug development efforts with siRNA molecules. In addition to the Japanese company’s lead compound ND-L02-s0201, currently in a Phase 1b clinical trial (NCT02227459) for advanced liver fibrosis, the agreement gives Bristol-Myers the right to obtain licenses for other…

Australian and German companies, AdAlta and  XL-protein, have entered into a collaboration to create a long-acting form of AdAlta’s AD-114, an antibody-based treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other fibrotic conditions. According to the agreement, XL-protein will contribute with their PASylation technology, attaching a string of amino acids that…

An extract from an earthworm reduced inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs of mice exposed to silica, acting through known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecular pathways. The findings suggest the extract could be explored as a potential drug therapy for silicosis. The study, “Earthworm extract attenuates silica-induced pulmonary…

Mice that produce excessive amounts of an anticoagulant factor are somewhat protected against pulmonary fibrosis development, a finding that highlights the possibility of manipulating natural anti-clotting proteins in the fight against lung fibrosis. Experiments showed that high levels of the anticoagulant protein C caused fewer macrophage inflammatory cells to move…

Mesenchymal stem cells show considerable potential as a means of treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), but numerous issues need to be resolved before a stem cell approach might benefit patients. The study, “Mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of chronic lung disease,” published in the journal Respirology, also underscored…

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) who demonstrate adequate lung volume still have the same rate of lung volume decline as patients with initially lower volumes, and benefit equally from treatment with Ofev (nintedanib), researchers reported. The study, “Nintedanib in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and preserved…

Esbriet (pirfenidone) is as safe a treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in the long-term as it is already known to be from shorter term studies, data presented at the recent European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress 2016 showed. In addition, two other studies presented research highlights of the drug’s importance…

Physical inactivity and low blood-oxygen levels during periods of exercise predict poor survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), according to researchers at the Rabin Medical Center in Israel. The study, “Physical Activity and Exertional Desaturation Are Associated with Mortality in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis,” published in the Journal of…