Natural plant compound berberine eased PF symptoms in mouse model

Berberine, a naturally occurring plant compound, eased the signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in a mouse model where the disease was triggered by exposing animals to fine particulate matter found in air pollution. The findings “offer novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of…

For those who may be reading my column for the first time, it may be helpful to understand where I’m at in my medical journey and how it began. In late 2016, a chest X-ray indicated that something was wrong with my lungs. I was referred to a pulmonologist,…

A Phase 2a trial is recruiting people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) to assess the effectiveness of GRI-0621, GRI Bio‘s investigational natural killer T-cell (NKT)-targeted therapy. The multicenter biomarker study, which was cleared to start by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is expected to have early results…

‘Tis the season of giving, a time when the spirit of benevolence fills the air. During the holidays, we’re encouraged to give wholeheartedly and with grace, which creates an atmosphere of joy and peace. However, the season’s festivities prompt some reflection on the nature of giving. Why limit this…

I’ve been involved in equity issues for most of my adult life and have been an advocate for the rare disease community for decades. In the biblical story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, David had no intention of shying away from Goliath. Neither do I.

Trevi Therapeutics has launched a Phase 2b clinical trial testing therapeutic candidate Haduvio (nalbuphine extended-release tablets) for the treatment of chronic cough in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The Phase 2b trial, CORAL (NCT05964335), plans to enroll about 160 adults with IPF and chronic cough. No…

Each month, Brad Dell, the director of community content at Bionews, the parent company of this website, curates a list of special days of recognition ranging from the whimsical to causes that have special meaning to both individuals and entire communities. From the whimsical side of the December list,…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given GRI Bio the green light to conduct a Phase 2 trial of its investigational natural killer T-cell (NKT)-targeted therapy, GRI-0621, in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). With the clearance of its investigational new drug (IND) application, the company…

When people first think about disease or disability, they usually go to the physical symptoms — understandably, since they’re the most visible. But a chronic illness can affect all aspects of life. The emotional, social, mental, and financial implications can be grueling for patients, too. As a patient diagnosed…

Have you seen the Apple TV+ series “Ted Lasso“? In it, Lasso is a fictional U.S. football coach who was recruited to manage a soccer club in the U.K. He was recruited because he knew nothing of European football. The club’s owner, Rebecca Welton, wanted the team to…