Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatments & Diagnostics
- ROME (AP) — New research presented at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) congress in San Francisco indicates that nerandomilast,a novel drug,may offer a new therapeutic avenue for patients...
- Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe respiratory illness with a typical prognosis of three too five years following diagnosis.
- The studies presented at the ATS Congress (May 16-21) evaluated nerandomilast (Boehringer Ingelheim) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and those with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases...
Nerandomilast Shows Promise in Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment
Table of Contents
- Nerandomilast Shows Promise in Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment
- Nerandomilast Shows Promise in Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment: A Q&A
- What is pulmonary fibrosis?
- What are the current treatment options for pulmonary fibrosis?
- What is nerandomilast, and how is it different?
- what studies have been conducted on nerandomilast?
- What is the meaning of these trials?
- Who was involved in the nerandomilast trials?
- What were the key findings of the nerandomilast trials?
- can nerandomilast be used for all types of pulmonary fibrosis?
- What are the potential benefits of nerandomilast?
ROME (AP) — New research presented at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) congress in San Francisco indicates that nerandomilast,a novel drug,may offer a new therapeutic avenue for patients with pulmonary fibrosis. The findings, simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine, detail the results of two Phase 3 clinical trials.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe respiratory illness with a typical prognosis of three too five years following diagnosis. Recent attempts to develop new treatments have largely been unsuccessful.
Nerandomilast Trials Target IPF and Progressive Fibrosis
The studies presented at the ATS Congress (May 16-21) evaluated nerandomilast (Boehringer Ingelheim) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and those with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (PF-ILD). The Fibroneer-IPF study focused on IPF, while the Fibroner-ILD study addressed secondary pulmonary fibrosis.
Nerandomilast, an orally administered selective phosphodiesterase 4B inhibitor, can be used in conjunction with existing treatments like nintedanib or pirfenidone. Results from the Phase 3 trials where released in conjunction with their presentation at the ATS Congress on Sunday, May 18.
Luca Richeldi, professor of diseases of the respiratory system at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and director of the UOC of Pneumology of Polyclinic Gemelli IRCCS Foundation, served as the global principal investigator and first author of the IPF study. He also contributed to the study on secondary fibrosis as a member of the steering committee.
Richeldi stated that the studies ”represent an epochal passage as it opens up to a new generation of drugs for these patients, who have so far had very limited therapeutic options available and from now on they can also be benefited from combined treatments with more drugs.” He added that nerandomilast has demonstrated efficacy in slowing the progression of IPF and has shown fewer side effects compared to previous therapies, with diarrhea being the most commonly reported adverse effect.
According to richeldi, the drug’s potential application to both idiopathic and secondary fibrosis is significant, allowing for the treatment of a broader range of conditions, including lung diseases secondary to autoimmune disorders, environmental exposures, or drug-induced pathologies. He emphasized that nerandomilast has shown effectiveness in treating conditions previously considered distinct, potentially improving the quality of life for patients.
Future research, according to Richeldi, will involve a two-year study of nerandomilast in patients with interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) to determine if early treatment can further slow disease progression and prevent the emergence of pulmonary fibrosis symptoms.
Genesis Study Aims for Early IPF Diagnosis
While nerandomilast represents a significant advancement in IPF treatment, it is indeed not a definitive cure. Early diagnosis remains crucial. The Polyclinic Gemelli foundation, in collaboration with the University of Catania, has launched the Genesis study to identify early diagnostic biomarkers and understand the causes of IPF.
The Genesis study, involving 200 IPF patients and 400 of their first-degree relatives, is funded by the PNRR and will span two years. The study focuses on the clinical genetics and screening of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Richeldi explained that the Genesis study addresses the familial risk component of IPF. Along with genetic analysis of IPF patients,the study includes high-resolution CT scans and respiratory function tests for relatives over 40 to detect early signs of fibrosis.
The genetic component of IPF is complex,involving multiple genes and environmental factors such as cigarette smoke,environmental exposures,and gastro-esophageal reflux. The Genesis study also incorporates a sub-study on chest auscultation, using electronic stethoscopes and artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze lung sounds and correlate them with CT scan findings.
Giacomo Sgalla, head of the UOS Fibrosis Fibrosis of the University Polyclinic Foundation A. Gemelli IRCCS, noted that participation in the Genesis study offers individuals the possibility to monitor their respiratory health and potentially identify risk factors for developing IPF, enabling preventive measures and early treatment.
Individuals interested in participating in the Genesis study can contact studio.genesi@policlinicogemelli.it.
Nerandomilast Shows Promise in Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment: A Q&A
What is pulmonary fibrosis?
Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe respiratory illness characterized by the scarring and thickening of lung tissue. This makes it increasingly difficult for the lungs to function, leading to shortness of breath and a decline in overall health. The typical prognosis following diagnosis is three to five years.
What are the current treatment options for pulmonary fibrosis?
Recent attempts to develop new treatments for pulmonary fibrosis have largely been unsuccessful. Current treatment options were not mentioned in the provided text.
What is nerandomilast, and how is it different?
Nerandomilast is a novel drug that is showing promise in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. It’s an orally administered selective phosphodiesterase 4B inhibitor. A key distinguishing factor is its potential to be used in conjunction with existing treatments like nintedanib or pirfenidone.
what studies have been conducted on nerandomilast?
Two Phase 3 clinical trials were conducted to evaluate nerandomilast. The findings were presented at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) congress and concurrently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Fibroneer-IPF study: Focused on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).
Fibroner-ILD study: addressed secondary pulmonary fibrosis.
What is the meaning of these trials?
These studies represent a potential breakthrough in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. According to luca Richeldi, the studies “represent an epochal passage as it opens up to a new generation of drugs for these patients, who have so far had very limited therapeutic options available and from now on they can also be benefited from combined treatments with more drugs.”
Who was involved in the nerandomilast trials?
Luca Richeldi, professor of diseases of the respiratory system at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and director of the UOC of Pneumology of Polyclinic Gemelli IRCCS Foundation, served as the global principal investigator and first author of the IPF study. He also contributed to the study on secondary fibrosis as a member of the steering committee.
What were the key findings of the nerandomilast trials?
Nerandomilast has shown efficacy in slowing the progression of IPF. It has also shown fewer side effects compared to previous therapies,with diarrhea being the most commonly reported adverse effect. In addition, the drug’s potential request to both idiopathic and secondary fibrosis is notable, allowing for the treatment of a broader range of conditions.
can nerandomilast be used for all types of pulmonary fibrosis?
The trials evaluated nerandomilast in patients with:
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
Progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (PF-ILD), which includes secondary pulmonary fibrosis.
This indicates the potential for treating a broader range of conditions, including lung diseases secondary to autoimmune disorders, environmental exposures, or drug-induced pathologies.
What are the potential benefits of nerandomilast?
Slowing the progression of IPF.
Fewer side effects compared to previous therapies.