Fibrotic Diseases and Unmet Needs
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis [IPF] is a form of progressive pulmonary fibrosis, or abnormal scarring of the lungs. As the disease progresses, the increased scarring leads to decreasing transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream, and ultimately, irreversible loss of lung function. The average life expectancy after an IPF diagnosis is 3-5 years.1 Because there is no cure and no therapy has been shown to halt or reverse the progressive deterioration of lung function, the primary goal of IPF treatment is to slow disease progression, maintain or improve quality of life, and prolong survival.
Systemic sclerosis is a rare chronic disease of uncertain etiology characterized by diffuse fibrosis and vascular abnormalities in the skin, joints, and internal organs. A number of medications can slow the progression of specific existing symptoms or temporarily reduce the development of new symptoms, but there remains an unmet need for more effective treatment.