Microscopic analysis of biomarkers in pulmonary fibrotic tissue, key in the development of innovative drugs for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis by Ferrer.

Diseases

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease in which lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, progressively replacing healthy tissue. IPF is characterized by progressive loss of the lungs’ ability to transfer oxygen to the bloodstream and is the most common of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias^1,2. IPF rarely occurs before age 40 and is estimated to affect 17.7 people per 100,000 worldwide³.

Top view of a person placing a blue and white digital pulse oximeter on another person's index finger on a white surface.

The cause is unknown (idiopathic), although it may be associated with smoking and certain genetic predispositions. Additionally, gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux or heartburn), certain viral infections, air pollution, and some workplace exposures may be risk factors for IPF².

The disease can present with a wide range of symptoms, including shortness of breath with or without activity, persistent dry cough, and fatigue, which eventually lead to respiratory failure and death. One of the reasons IPF is often diagnosed late or incorrectly is that its symptoms may resemble those of other lung diseases¹.

One pair of hands holds and closely examines a piece of paper with the results of an electrocardiogram printed out.

Close-up of two people affectionately holding the hand of a patient wearing an ID bracelet on a hospital bed.

IPF is a serious disease with a significant impact on patient’s quality of life. Its burden includes high medical costs, care dependency, and limited survival after diagnosis (with a median survival of 2 to 5 years if untreated)².

Patients with IPF experience disease progression at varying rates: some progress slowly and live with pulmonary fibrosis for many years, while others deteriorate more rapidly¹. However, research advances are enabling patients to live longer and with better quality of life.

Barratt SL, Creamer A, Hayton C, Chaudhuri N. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): An Overview. J Clin Med. 2018;7(8):201.
Podolanczuk AJ, Thomsom CC, Remy-Jardin M, Richeldi L, Martinez FJ, Kolb M, Raghu G. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: state of the art for 2023. Eur Respir J. 2023;61(4):2200957.
Golchin N, Patel A, Scheuring J, Wan V, Hofer K, Collet JP, Elpers B, Lesperance T. Incidence and prevalence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. BMC Pulm Med. 2025 Aug 7;25(1):378.