News

IPF May Have Varied and Complex Genetic Roots

Genetic factors might drive at least part of the risk for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), particularly in familial forms of the disease, and a review from the Nanjing University School of Medicine, China, presented an updated view of genetic risk factors for IPF. The article, “Candidate genes of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis:…

Pulmonary Fibrosis-linked Genes Targeted by Specific Nanoparticles

Researchers recently developed new nanoparticles more efficient at delivering in vivo (living) RNA interference (RNAi) for silencing pulmonary fibrosis-associated genes. The study entitled “Self-assembled Micelle Interfering RNA for Effective and Safe Targeting of Dysregulated Genes in Pulmonary Fibrosis” was published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. RNAi, a natural…

Pulmonary Fibrosis: An Invisible Illness

  Meet youtuber Kelly Patricia and watch her talk and explain how it is to live with an invisible illness. “I made this video in honor of all of us who are fighting invisible illnesses. I hope that this can have its own meaning to you. Always remember that…

Fibrotic Pathways in IPF May Have a Common Protein and New Treatment Target

A motor protein called myosin II was identified in a recent study to be a driver of fibrosis development — a finding with a notable potential to lead to improved treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The study by  Cleveland Clinic researchers is titled “Matrix-Driven Myosin II Mediates the Pro-Fibrotic Fibroblast Phenotype,“ and was published in the …

OFEV Now Available to IPF Patients in England and Wales

Boehringer Ingelheim recently announced that OFEV (nintedanib) has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) within the National Health Service (NHS) in England and in Wales. Nintedanib, an oral small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is recommended for…

Mechanotherapy Promotes Regeneration of Fibrotic Tissues, Study Shows

Researchers discovered that mechanotherapy on damaged muscle tissue reduces both fibrotic tissue accumulation and inflammation while helping to increase tissue regeneration, according to a new study titled “Biologic-free mechanically induced muscle regeneration,” published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Although focusing on the repair…

IPF Patients Voice Frustrations with Disease and Public’s Poor Understanding of It

A European survey of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) found that patients well understand the disease’s significant physical and emotional impact on their quality of life, and are frustrated by a perceived lack of quality IPF information and public understanding. The study also underscored the beneficial role of patients’ caregivers and specialist nurses, where available.

IPF Review Study Focuses on Effectiveness of OFEV

A new article that reviews available treatment options for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) took a critical but positive look at available research information for OFEV (nintedanib). The article focuses on the clinical evidence supporting nintedanib as an IPF treatment and on the drug’s pharmacological characteristics. The article, titled “Idiopathic…