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Therapeutic targets and early stage clinical trials for pulmonary fibrosis
Seidai Sato1,2, Toyoshi Yanagihara1, Martin R J Kolb1
1a Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Departments of Medicine , McMaster University , Hamilton , Ontario , Canada.
Introduction:
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an age-associated, progressive, and irreversible fatal interstitial lung disease. Although many drugs have failed in clinical trials, these failures improved the understanding of the pathogenesis of IPF. Currently, there are two drugs approved for IPF that slow the progression of the disease. However, the prognosis for patients with IPF remains poor and the search continues for drugs that inhibit the pathogenic pathways active in IPF to further reduce or even halt the progression of the disease.
Areas Covered:
We highlight the recent information on the therapeutic targets currently explored in early stage clinical trials and discuss the potential for new therapy and the limitation of basic research in the treatment of IPF.
Expert Opinion:
A key challenge in the coming years will lie in deciding which compounds to combine and how to evaluate combination therapies in clinical trials. The drugs most likely to provide additive efficacy when used in combination with one of the approved therapies are those with alternative, complementary, or synergistic mechanisms of action.
Insights
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) treatments are limited, but research is advancing. New therapies targeting disease pathways offer hope for slowing IPF progression, with combination treatments showing promise.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Interstitial Lung Diseases
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, fatal lung disease with limited treatment options.
- Approved therapies slow IPF progression, but patient prognosis remains poor.
- Understanding IPF pathogenesis has improved despite numerous drug trial failures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current therapeutic targets for IPF in early clinical trials.
- To discuss the potential of novel therapies and limitations of basic research in IPF treatment.
- To explore strategies for combination therapies in IPF clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in IPF research.
- Analysis of therapeutic targets in early-stage clinical trials.
- Evaluation of potential combination therapies for IPF.
Main Results:
- Several novel therapeutic targets are under investigation for IPF.
- Combination therapies with complementary mechanisms may enhance efficacy.
- Challenges remain in selecting and evaluating combination treatments.
Conclusions:
- Despite advances, IPF remains a significant unmet medical need.
- Future IPF treatment likely involves targeted therapies and combination approaches.
- Continued research is crucial to overcome limitations in basic science and clinical trials.
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