Current and prospective therapies for hepatic fibrosis

The prospects for new, effective treatments for hepatic fibrosis are real. Currently there are several drugs being evaluated in clinical trials, including polyunsaturated lecithin and prostaglandins. In addition, the authors' (J.F.T. and D.A.B.) knowledge of the pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis has increased dramatically during the past few years. These advances are being incorporated into novel therapies for hepatic fibrogenesis such as TGF-beta antagonists. Hopefully, definitive treatments for hepatic fibrosis will become available in the near future.