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…
Medicare Coverage Granted to Veracyte’s Envisia Test for IPF
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…
The Breaking, Bonding, and Forming of My Social Support Team
Upon being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2016, I predicted that many of my relationships would change. What I didn’t know, which might have been the scariest of all the “unknowns,” was how those relationships would change. I often wondered: Will my relationships with my parents get…
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…
I Made the Agonizing Decision to Cancel a Specialist Appointment
Many of us living with chronic illness know the importance of keeping specialist appointments because of the length of time it can take to reschedule them. The decision to cancel a consultation due to unforeseen circumstances can be agonizing. I felt that regret today when I chose to…
When I First Began to Process the Seriousness of My IPF Diagnosis
In November 2012, I began to experience shortness of breath. My throat and esophagus also felt somewhat cold, like I was breathing and exhaling cold air even when I was in the house. I didn’t think anything of it and didn’t attribute these symptoms to an illness. On a trip…
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…
Have You Joined the Pulmonary Fibrosis News Forums Yet?
The Pulmonary Fibrosis News Forums is celebrating its first birthday this month. As a forums moderator, I wrote information-focused columns ahead of the launch in early 2018 to give people an idea of what we hoped to achieve with this new initiative. I didn’t foresee how successful…
