BI 1015550 for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or progressive pulmonary fibrosis

BI 1015550 is in clinical development for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) in people aged 18 years and over. IPF is a long-term disease of the lungs characterised by the progressive deposition of collagen and fibrous tissue in the lungs. This causes the lung tissue to become inflamed and thick and form scars. As a result, the lungs become unable to work normally, reducing the transfer of oxygen from the air into the blood. It is associated with a gradual decline in lung function, progressive respiratory failure, and a high death rate. Symptoms include persistent cough, frequent lung infections, tiredness, severe shortness of breath, and loss of appetite/weight loss. The disease course of PFF is similar to that of IPF, with worsening respiratory symptoms, decline in lung function and early mortality. Several treatments can help reduce the rate at which IPF progresses, but there’s currently no treatment that can stop or reverse the scarring of the lungs.