Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted treprostinil orphan drug designation for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Orphan drug designation is given to therapies with the potential to substantially improve treatment for rare diseases (conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S.). The designation…

The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative local impact on healthcare for most people in the U.K. with pulmonary fibrosis (PF), who have seen their medical appointments canceled, their pulmonary rehabilitation programs halted, and their health status decline as a result of lockdowns and other safety measures,…

Newly developed therapies may hold promise for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, as described in two studies. The therapies, which are expected to move into clinical trials in the next several months, were both developed by Purdue University scientists in Indiana, led by Philip…

Galapagos and OncoArendi Therapeutics have entered into an exclusive agreement for the global development and commercialization of OncoArendi’s OATD-01, an investigational treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other fibrotic diseases. Lung diseases like IPF are characterized by increased activity of enzymes called…

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)’s RareLaunch training program will host two days of free virtual workshops in December, with the aim of empowering leaders to start non-profit organizations and research programs to help people with rare diseases.  “The RareLaunch program is…

A majority of rare disease patients using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic thought the experience positive, and many would like the option of continuing its use in future appointments, a series of surveys found. The surveys were conducted by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and involved more than 800…

Newly raised equity financing will advance Galecto‘s clinical pipeline, which includes GB0139, a potential inhalation treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Funds raised — totaling $64 million — will be used by the company to prepare for the potential approval of GB0139 in Europe, and to support new…

In recognition of September being Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) is working to raise awareness about the realities of this disease and how it affects people’s lives. The PFF is also conducting a social media campaign, “30 Facts in 30 Days,” to educate the public…

In the U.S., idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) mortality rates decreased from 2004 to 2017, a new study shows. The data suggests the decline might be partly explained by a decline in smoking, but further research is needed to better understand the factors contributing to this trend. The study, “Mortality Trends…

AbbVie will assume development of Morphic Therapeutic‘s alpha v beta 6 (αvβ6) integrin inhibitors as potential treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other fibrotic diseases, exercising a licensing option under an earlier research partnership between the companies. Integrins control a wide variety of cellular processes, including…