The life I once knew and loved drastically changed on April 7, 2016. On that day, I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a life-threatening and progressive lung disease for which there is no cure. Earlier this month, I marked my eighth anniversary of having IPF —…
Looking back on the 8 years that followed my IPF diagnosis
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” was written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II for the 1945 musical “Carousel.” Many others have performed the song over the years, and it’s even become the anthem for Liverpool Football Club in England. Most recently, I’ve enjoyed the version by…
Endeavor BioMedicines has raised $132.5 million toward the clinical development of its pipeline programs, including ENV-101, an investigational oral treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Results from a recent Phase 2a trial (NCT04968574) showed ENV-101 was generally well tolerated, reduced tissue scarring, or fibrosis, and improved lung…
When I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2017, I soon learned the cause and cure were mysteries yet to be solved. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to solve a mystery. Difficult, but seldom impossible. I worked my first career as a special…
Researchers have developed an inhalable prototype medicine that may be able to repair lung scarring caused by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by stimulating the growth of stem cells directly in the lungs, a study reports. The study provides pharmacological proof of concept for an upcoming Phase 1 clinical trial…
The arrival of spring here in Virginia is both a blessing and a curse. Despite the improved weather, I think of it as pollen and mold season. As a longtime sufferer of seasonal allergies, I don’t need the gentle yellow-green tint on vehicles and patio furniture to remind me to…
Enrollment has been completed for a Phase 2b trial that’s testing LYT-100 (deupirfenidone), PureTech Health’s experimental therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The trial, called ELEVATE IPF (NCT05321420), is assessing the safety, efficacy, and dosing regimen of LYT-100 in 240 adults with IPF, compared with a placebo.
Are you angry? If so, who are you angry with and why? I follow a number of social media groups associated with different rare disease communities. Lately, it seems that people are angry with the very groups advocating on their behalf. I must admit, that intrigues me a bit. When…
Stepping outside of our comfort zone can be an intimidating endeavor. But life often presents us with situations that require us to venture beyond what we’re used to. As I prepare for my first trip away from home since my pulmonary fibrosis (PF) diagnosis four years ago, I find…
Low doses of controlled-release morphine, a natural opioid derived from the opium poppy, may reduce the frequency of daytime cough in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), according to data from a Phase 2 clinical trial. In the trial, called PACIFY COUGH (NCT04429516), patients who were experiencing persistent…
