More treatment options on the horizon as several drugs in development are getting closer to being available.
Pulmonary fibrosis experts agree that there have never been so many clinical trials of potential new treatments for the disease. Some of them have completed, or are entering, Phase 3 in their investigations – the final stage of a clinical trial before submission for approval by Health Canada.
Here are a few of the drugs in development that we are tracking.
Nerandomilast
One of these new treatments nerandomilast (trade name JASCAYD®) is already approved for IPF and PPF in the US and China. The positive results of the Phase 3 clinical trial will be submitted to Health Canada this year. Once approved, CPFF will kick into high gear to advocate with the provincial and territorial health ministries to have the cost of the new treatment option covered for patients.
According to its maker Boehringer Ingelheim, the treatment aims to slow the decline in lung function by reducing inflammation and scarring in the lungs for IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) and other forms of progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF). Watch our recent educational video to learn about nerandomilast and the clinical trial results, including a reduction in the severity of certain anti-fibrotic medication side effects, including diarrhea.
Tyvaso
Phase 3 results of the TETON 1 clinical trial of Tyvaso in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) will soon be unveiled. As the final and most comprehensive stage of clinical evaluation, these results are expected to provide critical insights into Tyvaso’s efficacy and safety profile in IPF. CPFF is in contact with United Therapeutics and will share more information with you as it becomes available.
Haduvio
Trevi Therapeutics is now conducting a Phase 2b clinical trial of Haduvio, following early positive results. The medication aims to reduce persistent coughing, a common symptom of PF that can impact quality of life.
Other noteworthy research
Avalyn Pharmaceuticals is conducting Phase 2 clinical trials of a different way to deliver the anti-fibrotics pirfenidone and nintedanib. They are testing the use of inhaled versions of the drugs. By delivering the medicines directly to the lungs, the aim is to improve comfort and reduce side effects.
Sequence Bio is conducting a genetic research study in people with IPF, with the goal of understanding how genetics may influence who develops the disease. The information may serve to guide future treatments.
Even failed trials improve our knowledge
While the drugs mentioned so far, along with several others in development, show promise – with some on their way to submission to Health Canada – many others never make it that far.
“It is important to recognize that even clinical trials that “fail” improve our knowledge of pulmonary fibrosis,” says Sharon Lee, CEO, Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. “Each trial is an exploration, involving many resources, and when they do not work out, those resources can be re-directed to more promising research avenues.”