Nintedanib
EU-approved for IPF. Review tolerability, diarrhoea, liver monitoring and interactions before changing treatment.
EMA · OfevIPF · KNOWLEDGE & UPDATES
The full spectrum of IPF care, in one place.
For patients, caregivers and doctors: approved medicines, established care, diagnosis and research developments, with sources and limitations.
Sources checked: 3 October 2026 · Selected verified updates, not an exhaustive or automatic news feed.
Understanding IPF in greater depth
From biology to clinical practice. Open each topic to see what it explains and how it informs care.
1. Fibrosis is a disorder of repair
The biological model links repeated alveolar epithelial injury to abnormal repair. Activated fibroblasts and myofibroblasts deposit extracellular matrix. Increasing stiffness can reinforce their activation: a feedback loop, rather than inflammation alone.
Read the source2. ‘Idiopathic’ does not mean without biology
It means no specific cause explaining the disease has been identified. Age and genetic susceptibility contribute to risk without determining one person’s future. A family history of pulmonary fibrosis deserves discussion of genetic counselling.
Read the source3. UIP: a pattern, not an IPF diagnosis by itself
Usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) is an imaging or histological pattern. It can occur in other diseases. IPF diagnosis requires integration of imaging, history and exclusion of known causes by a multidisciplinary team.
Read the source4. Tests measure different things
FVC measures forcibly exhaled volume; DLCO assesses gas transfer. HRCT shows structural changes. Breathlessness and exercise capacity also depend on oxygenation, cardiac and muscle function and other conditions. Trends must be interpreted together.
Read the source5. Slowing progression is not reversal
Treatment aims to reduce future loss of function. Function may still decline despite a treatment benefit. Oxygen and rehabilitation serve different purposes from medicines that slow fibrosis.
Read the source6. Other ILD treatments do not automatically apply to IPF
In PANTHER-IPF, prednisone, azathioprine and NAC increased deaths and hospitalisations. This concerns a specific IPF regimen; it does not remove the role of immunosuppression in appropriate autoimmune ILDs. Do not change medication without diagnostic review.
Read the source7. Telomeres & cellular senescence
Telomere-maintenance genes such as TERT/TERC are linked to fibrosis susceptibility. Cellular senescence involves altered cell function and signalling, not simply the patient’s age. Research reveals fibroblast heterogeneity; a biological target is not yet a proven treatment strategy.
Read the source8. Sudden deterioration needs investigation
The chronic course varies between people. Sudden change should not automatically be attributed to usual progression: it requires urgent assessment for acute exacerbation and other causes. Pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure are possible complications that change care needs.
Read the sourceCare map
Pirfenidone
EU-approved for IPF. The care plan includes tolerability, liver monitoring and sun protection.
EMA · Esbrietnerandomilast · Jascayd
Nerandomilast (brand name: Jascayd) has been approved in the EU for adults with IPF or PPF since 15 July 2026. Selection, combinations and dose adjustments require the current product information.
EMA · JascaydDiagnosis & second opinion
HRCT, exposure and medication history, exclusion of other causes and multidisciplinary discussion. Biopsy is not automatically needed for everyone.
ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT · 2022Monitoring the disease
Discuss FVC/DLCO trends, symptoms and exercise capacity with your team. One measurement alone is insufficient for a treatment decision.
NICE · CG163Pulmonary rehabilitation
Recommended in ILD: structured exercise, education and self-management, adapted to ability and oxygen needs.
ATS · 2023Oxygen at home & on the move
Assess low oxygen levels at rest and on exertion, choose suitable equipment and receive safety training. Flow rates require an individual prescription.
ATS · 2020Lung transplantation
Discuss referral early when appropriate. A transplant centre assesses individual eligibility.
NICE · CG163Cough, breathlessness & supportive care
Ask for symptom relief and psychological support alongside disease treatment. Palliative care can begin early.
NICE · CG163Daily living & caregivers
Discuss fatigue, nutrition, smoking cessation, work and travel. Bring practical difficulties to your appointment and request an adaptation plan.
NICE · CG163Vaccines & infection prevention
Annual vaccine review with a separate schedule for each vaccine: flu, RSV, pneumococcal disease, shingles and routine boosters.
Pneumogenesis · 03/10/2026Clinical trials
Check the population, eligibility criteria, country and actual recruitment. Trial registration is not approval or proof of benefit.
ClinicalTrials.govNews & scientific developments
Cellular senescence: fibroblasts are not one uniform population
New research examines senescent fibroblast heterogeneity and DNA damage responses in IPF. It identifies biological targets, not demonstrated treatment efficacy in patients.
npj Aging · πρωτότυπη έρευνα / original researchNerandomilast is now EU-approved
EMA records marketing authorisation for IPF and PPF. This adds a treatment option; approval does not establish Greek availability or reimbursement.
EMAFIBRONEER-ILD: whole follow-up data
A newer PPF analysis examines clinical events beyond FVC change. The population is PPF; this is not direct evidence of survival benefit in IPF.
European Respiratory Journal · πρωτότυπη μελέτη / original studyRentosertib: investigational therapy
A published TNIK inhibitor trial provides early evidence. Larger, longer studies are needed; publication is not treatment approval.
Nature Medicine · πρωτότυπη μελέτη / original studyFIBRONEER-IPF: nerandomilast evidence
The 52-week trial found less FVC decline than placebo. Diarrhoea was common. This does not establish a cure or reversal of fibrosis.
NEJM · πρωτότυπη μελέτη / original studyFind the latest evidence
These searches open current source records. Each new finding needs assessment before it changes care.
New or suddenly worsening breathlessness, chest pain, confusion or blue lips need urgent medical assessment; do not wait for a website update. In an emergency call 112.
Arrange a care review