Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Mechanism of Kemeng Fang's Inhibition of Podocyte Apoptosis in Rats with Membranous Nephropathy through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Published on: August 23, 2024
Pirfenidone: an anti-fibrotic therapy for progressive kidney disease
Monique E Cho1, Jeffrey B Kopp
1National Institutes of Health, Kidney Disease Branch, 10/CRC 5-5750, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-1268, USA. moniquec@intra.niddk.nih.gov
Importance Of The Field:
Many chronic diseases of various etiologies lead to fibrosis and organ dysfunction. Despite many advances in medicine in recent years, options to slow the progression of fibrotic diseases have remained limited. The recent availability of pirfenidone, an antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory investigational agent, thus offers a new hope for treating progressive fibrotic diseases.
Areas Covered In This Review:
This review provides concise review of the available data regarding the mechanism and pharmacokinetics of pirfenidone and preclinical and clinical data regarding efficacy and safety in fibrotic diseases of the kidney. It also reviews results of clinical trials involving pirfenidone in other fibrotic diseases.
What The Reader Will Gain:
The review will provide in-depth review of pirfenidone with a renal focus.
Take Home Message:
Because many of the available clinical trials have been small and/or uncontrolled, conclusive evidence regarding efficacy and safety of pirfenidone is lacking, particularly in patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction. Larger studies are needed to better understand long-term efficacy and safety of this medication in various patient populations.
Related Concept Videos
Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments
Reduced renal clearance and elimination rate are common outcomes of renal impairment. These alterations lead to a prolonged elimination half-life and an altered apparent volume of distribution for drugs. As a result, dosage adjustments are typically necessary to maintain optimal drug levels in the body.
However, dosage adjustments...
Diabetic Nephropathy
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Renal Drug Excretion: Tubular Secretion
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
