Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung disorder associated with poor quality of life and high mortality. This condition is characterised by fibrosis, inflammation, and destruction of lung tissue, leading to debilitating symptoms and ultimately death. While the exact cause of IPF remains unknown, several risk factors have been identified, including both environmental and genetic factors.
The treatment landscape for IPF experienced a radical change in 2012 when a key trial (PANTHER-IPF) revealed that the standard of care of immunosuppressant therapy used at that time was associated with an increased risk of hospitalisations, severe adverse events, and death. In other words, the treatments being used were causing more harm than good!
Fortunately, the treatment landscape has seen recent advances with the introduction of two targeted treatments. However, there is still a huge need to develop novel therapies with an improved safety profile that can also extend the lives of patients affected by this devastating lung condition.
