New research provides important insights into the process of activation and formation of cells that are crucial for fibrosis to occur, uncovering potential targets that can help control fibrosis in chronic diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Scientists at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM) discovered…
Calcium Signals Behind Conversion of Healing Cells into Promoters of Fibrosis, Study Finds
Final data from the PRAISE trial support the efficacy and safety of pamrevlumab, an investigational therapy for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) being developed by FibroGen. Data showed that into-the-vein (intravenous) infusions of pamrevlumab reduced the decline in respiratory function by 60.3%. It also cut to…
MN-001, a potential treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), will soon have patent protections in China. MediciNova, the company developing MN-001 (tipelukast), received a Notice of Allowance from the Chinese Patent Office, which means that the company’s application fulfills all necessary requirements. Once issued, the patent is expected to…
In times of trouble, I remember the words of Mister Rogers’ mother, who said to always “look for the helpers.” Until recently, that advice comforted me more in theory than in practice. It was easy to look for — and see — my helpers, but I seldom called…
The idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) treatment candidate BBT-877 is safe and well-tolerated in healthy volunteers, and markedly reduced the plasma levels of a lipid molecule involved in inflammation and fibrosis, according to results of a Phase 1 clinical trial. The research, “BBT-877, a potent Autotaxin…
After I received my single-lung transplant in December 2015, I was required to participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program to build up my strength and lung function. I had a choice of several programs in my immediate area, and through my research, I found the best center for…
As I write this, my legs are elevated and I’m applying ice to my swollen feet in the small cottage I’ve rented on the southeastern side of the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Despite my aching feet, sunburned legs, tired eyes, and sore shoulders, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude. I…
Ofev (nintedanib) reduced lung function decline by more than 50% in patients with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), data from a Phase 3 trial show. The findings were presented in a poster at the recent European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress in Madrid, Spain, and simultaneously…
Blade Therapeutics will expand its pipeline in the field of fibrotic diseases with the acquisition of Atxco and its lead candidate PAT-409, which is ready to enter Phase 1 clinical studies. PAT-409 was engineered to specifically inhibit the autotaxin enzyme involved in the production of a fatty molecule called…
Learning to live with a life-threatening, chronic lung disease as a young adult is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by irreversible and progressive scarring of the lungs, known as “fibrosis,” which ultimately diminishes a person’s ability to breathe. While the prognosis of IPF…
