A protein called RUNX2 contributes to lung tissue scarring, which makes it a good target for the development of a pulmonary fibrosis treatment, a study reported. It does this differently in two types of lung cells, suggesting that scientists might need to develop therapies that targeted each of the cell types,…
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A small RNA molecule, called microRNA 101, prevents the proliferation and activation of fibroblasts, thereby eliminating pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in mice, researchers at Oklahoma State University (OSU) have found. Their study, “MicroRNA-101 attenuates pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting fibroblast proliferation and activation,” appeared in the Journal of Biological…
A new class of class of compounds called trihydroxyphenolics inhibits TGF-beta 1, the key driver in specific cells of lung fibrosis, researchers found, suggesting the compounds may be a potential therapeutic approach to reduce the effects of fibrosis. The study, “Fibroblast-specific inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling attenuates lung and…
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s inaugural PFF Walk raised more than $234,000, three times the goal of $70,000, for research on the disease and for patient services. More than 1,000 patients, families, caregivers and healthcare professionals from 40 U.S. states participated in the event Sept. 9 to mark Pulmonary…
Autoimmunity may drive idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), according to a study that found a link between certain autoantibodies —those that target the body’s own cells and tissues — and disease progression in these patients. The study, “Autoimmunity to Vimentin Is Associated with Outcomes of Patients with Idiopathic…
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are prone to depression and anxiety, which clearly affects their quality of life — regardless of age, gender or disease’s severity as measured in pulmonary function tests, researchers in Korea report. The scientists also suggest that these people may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy…
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) has announced its keynote speakers for the upcoming PFF Summit 2017, a biennial meeting set for Nov. 9-11 in Nashville, Tennessee. During the event, physicians and researchers will present their most current work on pulmonary fibrosis (PF), stem cell therapies, medical tourism and advances in…
A Phase 2/3 clinical trial of PBI-4050, a potential new therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to Prometic Life Sciences. The FDA has granted the drug candidate investigational new drug (IND) status, which facilitates clinical research. The Phase 2/3…
Clinical trial results of Patara Pharma’s inhaled therapy candidate PA101 for chronic cough caused by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) indicate the medication reduces cough in a disease-specific manner. The findings, published in the journal The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, were derived from a Phase 2 trial (NCT02412020) of…
The American Lung Association and Three Lakes Partners are teaming up to raise awareness about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) during Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month in September. The announcement was made at the European Respiratory Society’s International Congress (ERS 2017) in Milan, Italy. “IPF is a challenging and unpredictable disease, and…
