Medicare Coverage Granted to Veracyte’s Envisia Test for IPF
The Envisia Genomic Classifier, Veracyte‘s genomic test for improved diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), was granted full U.S. coverage by Medicare. The coverage…
News
Novel NOX4 Blockers Could Treat Fibrosis at the Source, Scientists Say
Novel selective blockers of the NOX4 enzyme could ease oxidative stress and the subsequent development of fibrosis in lungs and other organs, according to scientists at the University of Arizona. The potential treatments have been licensed to a startup called Fibronox to speed up their development. NOX4, or NADPH…
Feldman Family Foundation to Host Poker Night to Support PF Research, Awareness
The Feldman Family Foundation is hosting a pulmonary fibrosis fund-raising event — its 6th Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament and Casino Night — on Saturday (March 2), at the Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling, Illinois. The Feldman Family Foundation was founded in 2013 in honor of…
Proton Radiation Therapy Improves Survival in Lung Cancer Patients with IPF, Study Finds
Lung cancer patients with underlying idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) treated with proton radiation therapy live longer than those treated with X-ray irradiation, a study shows. Additionally, fewer occurrences of treatment-related lung complications were reported in proton therapy-treated patients. The study, “Preliminary result of definitive radiotherapy in patients with non-small cell…
Algernon Plans to Test Its Lead Anti-fibrotic Compound in Animal Study of IPF
Algernon Pharmaceuticals announced its plans to conduct a new in vivo animal study comparing its lead anti-fibrotic NP-251 compound with clinically relevant doses of both Esbriet (pirfenidone) and Ofev (nintedanib), two approved medicines for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a chronic lung disease characterized by a progressive and irreversible decline in…
WODC 2019 Organizers Expect 1,200 to Attend Rare Disease Conference in April
The world’s biggest gathering of rare disease researchers, patient groups, pharmaceutical executives, and government officials is planned for April 10–12 in a Washington, D.C., suburb. Some 1,200 people have already registered to attend the World Orphan Drug Congress (WODC) USA 2019, set to take place at the Gaylord National Harbor…
Poor Sleep Quality Linked to Reduced Quality of Life in IPF Patients, Study Shows
Poor sleep quality — assessed by full-night sleep evaluation and patient questionnaires — is linked to an overall reduced quality of life in individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), according to a study. The study, “Quality of life in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: The impact of sleep disordered breathing,”…
Omipalisib Can Slow Fibrosis Progression in IPF, Phase 1 Trial Shows
Oral administration of omipalisib, an investigational inhibitor of PI3K and mTOR cellular signals, can reduce the activity of pro-fibrotic cells in the lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), results from a Phase 1 trial show. These findings support studies to further explore PI3K and mTOR signals as potential…
Vienna to Host RARE2019 Meeting on Rare Diseases
About 100 scientists, researchers, pharmaceutical executives, and others will converge on Austria’s capital city early next month for the 2nd International Congress on Advanced Treatments in Rare Diseases. The March 4-5 meeting, to take place at the Hilton Am Stadtpark Vienna, features 27 speakers on a variety of disorders…
Living Well with Pulmonary Fibrosis? Yes We Can! (A Rehab Specialist’s Advice)
Hello, World! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Noah Greenspan. I am the founder and program director of the Pulmonary Wellness & Rehabilitation Center in New York City. I am also the founder of the Ultimate Pulmonary Wellness Webinar Series, the Ultimate Pulmonary…
