Turning the Tide A Future Where Breathing Freely Is Within Reach

Through next-generation research and targeted interventions, we aim to delay disease progression, reduce lung scarring, and give patients a stronger, more hopeful tomorrow.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease marked by significant alterations in cellular function and the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), resulting in lung tissue scarring and impaired respiratory function. The global prevalence of PF is estimated at 51.7 per 100,000 individuals it accounts for 20% to 50% of all cases of interstitial lung disease (ILD). A wide range of risk factors contribute to the development of PF, including autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and Sjögren’s syndrome, as well as certain viral infections and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Environmental exposures such as hazardous materials, cigarette smoke, and air pollution also play a critical role, alongside genetic mutations. In numerous instances, the underlying cause remains unidentified, and the condition is subsequently classified as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Advancing age has been recognized as a significant risk factor for its development. FDA-approved treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are limited and only slow disease progression without improving quality of life or survival, highlighting the need for more effective therapies.

References

  1. Wang J, Li K, Hao D, Li X, Zhu Y, Yu H, Chen H. Pulmonary fibrosis: pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies. MedComm (2020). 2024 Sep 23;5(10):e744. doi: 10.1002/mco2.744. PMID: 39314887; PMCID: PMC11417429
  2. https://www.ispor.org/heor-resources/presentations-database/presentation/euro2024-4016/143956
  3. Sauleda J, Núñez B, Sala E, Soriano JB. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Epidemiology, Natural History, Phenotypes. Med Sci (Basel). 2018 Nov 29;6(4):110. doi: 10.3390/medsci6040110. PMID: 30501130; PMCID: PMC6313500
  4. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pulmonary-fibrosis/introduction/types-causes-and-risk-factors
  5. Sankari A, Chapman K, Ullah S. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. [Updated 2024 Apr 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448162/
  6. https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/frmc/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis-ipf-existing-challenges-and-new-frontiers