News

Natural gene variants, called polymorphisms, may explain why some patients with systemic sclerosis also develop pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The study, “The status of pulmonary fibrosis in systemic sclerosis is associated with IRF5, STAT4, IRAK1, and CTGF polymorphisms,” appeared in the journal Rheumatology International. PF is one of the leading…

An investigative therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) based on inhibiting two proteins, including the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, shows potential for halting fibrosis progression, and greatly improved survival in a mouse model for human IPF. The study, “Cannabinoid CB1 receptor overactivity contributes to the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,” was published…

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s 2017 Summit, where pulmonary fibrosis researchers and community members from around the world can share information and experiences, will be Nov. 9-11 in Nashville, the foundation announced. Summit organizers encourage researchers, physicians, academics, industry leaders, patients and caregivers to take part in the sessions, which will highlight developments…

Antacid therapy (AAT) may lead to major digestive problems and severe lung infections in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients who take Esbriet (pirfenidone), a study reports. The research, “Antacid Therapy and Disease Progression in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Who Received Pirfenidone” was published in the journal…

Boehringer Ingelheim has enrolled its first patient with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (PF-ILD) in a Phase 3 clinical trial investigating the effectiveness and safety of treatment with Ofev (nintedanib). Patients with ILDs, also called diffuse parenchymal lung diseases, are often unable to breathe. The problem stems from impaired gas exchange — a consequence…

ProMetic Life Sciences’s lead product for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), called PBI-4050, is going to be tested in a Phase 2/3 clinical trial. Supported by efficacy data from a Phase 2 study (NCT02538536), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the…

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Nordic Bioscience will collaborate on the development of biomarkers that can help diagnose and keep tabs on the status of fibrotic diseases like pulmonary fibrosis (PF). A biomarker is a molecule that can be used to diagnose a disease or predict its progression by…

Esbriet (pirfenidone) was as effective as prednisone and better than acetylcysteine at inhibiting inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs of rats with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), according to a study. The research, “Effects and mechanisms of pirfenidone, prednisone and acetylcysteine on pulmonary fibrosis in rat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis models,” was…

NuMedii, a company that applies computer-based artificial intelligence (AI) to medical analysis, has teamed up with Three Lakes Partners, a Chicago-based investment and philanthropic organization, to develop drugs to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disorder that involves scarring of the lungs, leading to serious breathing…

A new imaging strategy shows promising results in improving the diagnosis and treatment of people with pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The study, “Type I collagen-targeted PET probe for pulmonary fibrosis detection and staging in preclinical models,” appeared in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have developed…