Lower dose of Pirfenidone as effective as full dose for reducing disease progression in IPF

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive disease. The prognosis of the disease is extremely poor, with a median survival duration of 3 years from diagnosis.

Pirfenidone is an antifibrotic drug. As shown in large trials, Pirfenidone reduces the rate of decline in FVC and prolongs progression-free survival. The important consideration here is that it has effectiveness, slows down the IPF progression, and has adverse events.

The study points include the following:

• The study included 338 patients treated with Pirfenidone (July 2012 - March 2018).
• The researchers investigated demographics, pulmonary function, mortality, and adverse events.
• Comparing Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and DLCO, diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide changes before and after treatment with Pirfenidone was + 2.45 % and + 3.79 %. With standard and lower doses, individual values were + 2.13 %, + 3.65 % and, + 3.17 %, + 4.57 %, respectively.
• The total adverse event reported was 81.7 %.
• Nearly 24.6 % discontinued the treatment due to adverse events.