A signaling molecule called interleukin-25 (IL-25) was found to support lung fibroblast proliferation and promote lung inflammation and fibrosis in mice, a study shows. The findings suggest that blocking IL-25 may prevent many of the hallmark features of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), representing a new therapeutic target for this…
A pulmonary rehabilitation program lowers the risk of mortality among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis after lung transplant, as well as reduces their need for ventilation support and the time they spend in the intensive care unit after the procedure, a new study reports. The findings of the study,…
Gli proteins can trigger fibroblast activation and support their role in promoting fibrosis in the lungs in response to damage to the airspaces, a study in mice shows. The study, “Gli signaling pathway modulates fibroblast activation and facilitates scar formation in pulmonary fibrosis,” was published in the journal…
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) oral treatment candidate PLN-74809 can prevent the activation of the pro-fibrotic protein TGF-beta by up to 70% in healthy volunteers, according to final results of a Phase 1b trial. Being developed by Pliant Therapeutics, PLN-74809 is a small molecule and selective inhibitor of the…
A less toxic precursor formulation of the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel can reduce lung fibrosis in mice with pulmonary fibrosis, a study shows. The finding suggests that this compound, named baccatin III or BAC, has the potential to represent a new treatment strategy for…
A violinist with vasculitis, two Texas politicians and a pharmaceutical company whose marijuana-derived therapy helps kids with Dravet syndrome were among winners of the 2019 Rare Impact Awards. Officials of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) presented the awards during a June 22 dinner attended by…
Genetic variants of the MUC5AC gene may contribute to the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a study suggests. The study, “Novel idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis susceptibility variants revealed by deep sequencing,” was published in the journal ERJ Open Research. The existence of a genetic cause underlying…
Distal airway stem cells (DASCs), which can differentiate into bronchioles and alveoli, were found to prevent fibrosis and support tissue regeneration in the lungs of mice. These findings were reported in the study “Distal airway stem cells ameliorate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis…
A treatment algorithm based on high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy reduces short-term mortality of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who develop acute respiratory failure, a study says. The findings of the study, “High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy to treat acute respiratory failure in patients with acute exacerbation…
Europe’s umbrella organization for 800 rare disease associations has developed a sweeping initiative to help the continent’s 30 million rare disease patients and their caregivers learn about their conditions, find assistance and receive treatment. Eurordis-Rare Diseases Europe hopes to improve the current piecemeal treatment and support program with a holistic,…
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