Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

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…

People with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) who are treated with either Ofev (nintedanib) or Esbriet (pirfenidone) report similar satisfaction with their medications, a new study suggests. The study, “Patient expectations, experiences and satisfaction with nintedanib and pirfenidone in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a quantitative study,”…

The first participant has been enrolled in a Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating Ofev (nintedanib) in children with fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). The Phase 3 trial, called INPEDILD (NCT04093024), is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, Ofev’s manufacturer. The trial is currently recruiting participants from 6–17 years…

People with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are at increased risk of several cancers other than lung cancer, a new study reports. The study, “Risk of cancer incidence in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A nationwide cohort study,” was published in the journal Respirology. IPF and…