Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group

Hey you guys
I posted about this ("whats new for IPF") in 2006 and there are controlled trials going on right now that have not yet been published. The trial in Japan that was stopped early because of good results with Pirfenidone is listed below....here is the abstract for those of you who have asked me:


TITLE:
Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pirfenidone in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. - Azuma A - Am J Respir Crit Care Med - 1-MAY-2005; 171(9): 1040-7


Abstract:
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal disorder without an effective therapy to date. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 107 patients were prospectively evaluated for efficacy of a novel compound, pirfenidone. The difference in the change in the lowest oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO2) during a 6-minute exercise test, the primary endpoint, from baseline to 6 months was not significant between the two groups (p = 0.0722). In a prespecified subset of patients who maintained a SpO2 greater than 80% during a 6-minute exercise test at baseline, the lowest SpO2 improved during a 6-minute exercise test in the pirfenidone group at 6 and 9 months (p = 0.0069 and 0.0305, respectively). Positive treatment effect was demonstrated in secondary endpoints: (1) change in VC measurements at 9 months (p = 0.0366) and (2) episodes of acute exacerbation of IPF occurring exclusively in the placebo group during the 9 months (p = 0.0031). Significant adverse events were associated with pirfenidone; however, adherence to treatment regimen was similar between pirfenidone and placebo groups. In conclusion, treatment with pirfenidone improved VC and prevented acute exacerbation of IPF during the 9 months of follow-up. Future long-term studies are needed to clarify the overall safety and efficacy of pirfenidone in IPF.

Ill be looking for updates as they get published....
Dr O.
Posted on 01/26/08, 06:01 pm