For those of us living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), trips to the emergency room (ER) are inevitable. These trips could be due to fighting off a virus that affects our ability to breathe, an exacerbation, or simply a secondary symptom of our disease. Unfortunately, as a…
Lessons Learned in the ER: A PF Patient’s Experience
The rate of decline in lung function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) before they are treated with Genentech‘s Esbriet (pirfenidone) influences the effects of the medication, researchers have found. Patients classified as rapid progressors, who experience accelerated declines in lung function, benefited more from Esbriet…
I’m coming up on the fourth anniversary of being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. It’s caused me to ponder what I wish I’d known before my diagnosis. Three things are at the top of my list. Ignore information online about life expectancy My disease progressed rapidly because it…
No one wants to be plagued with the symptoms, medications, management, or label of living with a chronic illness. For most, a diagnosis of a life-threatening illness such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can be an extremely emotional, confusing, and scary time. I remember this vividly when I…
AdAlta has changed the structure of its lead therapy candidate for AD-114, for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. The new product, renamed AD-214, has enhanced activity and improved stability compared to AD-114, allowing a better outcome, according to AdAlta. AD-214 retains key features of its precursor, as it…
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may share a common disease mechanism — degradation of elastin in the lungs — suggesting its potential as a biomarker for both diseases, research shows. The study, “Increased circulating desmosine and age-dependent elastinolysis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,”…
When most of us think about going on vacation, images of relaxation pop into our minds. The point of a vacation is to feel rejuvenated and to catch a break from our structured and routine-filled days of school, work, appointments, or errands. Planning a vacation should be fun…
BerGenBio’s bemcentinib (BGB324) stops the progression of aggressive tissue scarring in the lungs and liver, preclinical-trial research shows. Researchers published the findings in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The article is titled “Targeting of TAM Receptors Ameliorates Fibrotic Mechanisms in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.” The results were also presented…
A gene called FOXF1 can inhibit the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), according to scientists at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. They reported that IPF patients’ lungs, as well as the lungs of mouse models of IPF, lack the gene in cells called myofibroblasts that play a…
It is so hard to get used to using supplemental oxygen. I still remember my shock and anger when told I would have to cart oxygen around whenever I moved about. I couldn’t believe it! I had a few choice words to say to my doctor…
