The protein FoxO3 plays a central role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to a study reporting that a therapy that scientists are testing for cancer could rein in the protein. One of the hallmarks of IPF is overproduction of cells known as fibroblasts and myofibroblasts that alter the structure of lungs, worsening…
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Throughout 2017, Pulmonary Fibrosis News Today reported daily discoveries, therapeutic developments, and events related to pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we review the top 10 most-read articles of 2017, with a brief description of what made them interesting and relevant to PF patients, family members, and caregivers. No. 10 – Esbriet’s Efficacy…
A cancer drug in clinical development might be used to treat pulmonary fibrosis (PF), or as a starting point to develop better antifibrotic treatments, German researchers suggest. Their study, “FoxO3 an important player in fibrogenesis and therapeutic target for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,” appeared in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine. In it,…
Chest pain may be a neglected symptom of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), finds a Finnish study that also suggests using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea (shortness of breath) scale to identify IPF patients needing palliative care. The study, “mMRC dyspnoea scale indicates impaired quality…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted orphan drug status to Prometic Life Sciences’ Ryplazim (plasminogen) as a treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Fewer than 200,000 Americans have IPF, which makes it eligible for orphan status. The designation gives companies incentives to develop drugs for the small markets typical…
Synairgen announced the revision in the terms of its collaboration with Pharmaxis to advance the development of its Lysyl Oxidase type 2 (LOXL2) program for the treatment of fibrotic conditions, including pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Fibrosis develops due to abnormal wound healing, and is characterized by a buildup of scar…
The management of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and lung cancer should follow the premise “first, do no harm,” researchers argue in the journal The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. Their commentary, “Patients with IPF and lung cancer: diagnosis and management,” spotlights the fact that — despite lung…
Doctors may be able to use six energy-storing substances known as lipids to diagnose and track the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a Chinese study reports. The research, “Identification of the lipid biomarkers from plasma in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by Lipidomics,” appeared in the journal BMC Pulmonary…
A real-world study in Britain confirms that Ofev (nintedanib) is a safe and effective treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF. The research, “Early clinical experiences with nintedanib in three UK tertiary interstitial lung disease centres,” was published in the journal Clinical and Translational…
British regulators have paved the way for people with severe cases of pulmonary fibrosis to gain access to Prometic Life Sciences’ tissue-scarring therapy PBI-4050 before it is approved. The step the regulators took was to designate PBI-4050 a Promising Innovative Medicine for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The next step would be…
