Lung Foundation Australia, in collaboration with the Centre of Research Excellence in Pulmonary Fibrosis present the pulmonary fibrosis clinical trials webinar. Join expert speakers, A/Prof Vidya Navaratnam and Prof Ian Glaspole, as they provide an overview of clinical trials for pulmonary fibrosis (PF) including how trials work, recent research breakthroughs, and what’s involved in participation.
The webinar explores how clinical trials are conducted in stages. Phase 1 trials assess whether a new drug is safe. Phase 2 trials explore whether it works in people with the disease. Phase 3 trials involve larger groups to compare new treatments with standard care. Many studies also include an open-label extension, where all participants receive the study drug to assess long-term benefits and safety.
Several promising treatments are highlighted in the webinar, including taladegib, a drug targeting lung scarring, which showed early signs of improving lung function and reducing fibrosis in a small Phase 2 study. Inhaled treprostinil, already used for pulmonary hypertension, demonstrated significant results in a Phase 3 study by slowing lung function decline and reducing disease worsening, though some patients experienced cough, headache, and diarrhoea. Another emerging therapy, nerandomilast, showed strong evidence of slowing disease progression and potential survival benefits, particularly in combination with existing treatments.
The webinar highlights how current PF medications slow disease progression, however that are unable to reverse lung damage at this point in time, highlighting the importance of ongoing research.
Participating in a clinical trial offers several benefits, including closer medical monitoring, access to new treatments, and the opportunity to contribute to future advances in care. Patients are encouraged to speak with their treating healthcare team to discuss their interest in clinical trials.
Resources like the PACT (Pulmonary Fibrosis Australasian Clinical Trials Network) also help patients find and access clinical trials across Australia, making it easier to explore new treatment options and support ongoing research in pulmonary fibrosis.
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