Dynamic Drug Advancement Limited | Durham Institute of Respirology
Pulmonary Fibrosis
What Is Pumonary Fibrosis?
Pulmonary Fibrosis is a family of more than 200 interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) that cause inflammation and/or scarring of the of the lungs. ​
​
In healthy lungs, the oxygen that we breathe enters the air sacks, crosses the interstitium and diffuses into our blood vessels to deliver oxygen to our body. Carbon dioxide - our waste gas - diffuses out of the blood into the alveoli.
When you have interstitial lung disease (pulmonary fibrosis) there is usually inflammation and scarring of this interstitium. It becomes thickened and impairs the flow of oxygen into the body.
​
This impaired gas transfer cause symptoms such as:
-
Shortness of Breath
-
Chronic Dry Cough
-
Fatigue
-
Loss of appetite and weight loss
-
Chest discomfort
What Causes Pumonary Fibrosis?
​The causes of Pulmonary Fibrosis are diverse and can be difficult for physicians to determine. Some known causes of PF include:
-
Autoimmune disorders
-
Smoking
-
Asbestos exposure
-
Exposure to molds and bacteria
-
Certain medications
-
Radiation exposure
​
In some cases a cause of fibrosis cannot be determined, in these cases the Pulmonary Fibrosis is classified as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). IPF is the most common type of PF.
​
(Canadian Pumonary Fibrosis Foundation Patient Guide, 2023)
Pulmonary Fibrosis Research
Research into new therapies for Pulmonary Fibrosis is occurring through Clinical Research. ​
​
Clinical Trials are research studies may be interventional or observational. In interventional clinical trials, eligible participants are assigned to receive a treatment to see if it is effective at treating the condition and safe.
​
Participating in a clinical trial is always voluntary and risks and potential benefits should be weighed by the participant.
​
At Dynamic Drug Advancement, we are a participating site for several ongoing studies for pulmonary fibrosis. Learn more about the ongoing Pumonary Fibrosis Studies on our Clinical Trial page.