Tulane Researchers Uncover Promising New Approach to Treat Deadly Lung Disease IPF

Tulane University scientists have uncovered a promising new approach to treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive and currently incurable lung disease that impacts more than 3 million people worldwide. The disease causes severe lung scarring and makes breathing increasingly difficult — and about half of those diagnosed die within three years.

In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers found that an FDA-approved cancer drug, ipilimumab, may help the immune system clear out senescent (damaged, non-functioning) cells that drive the scarring process in IPF. The discovery could lead to a new class of treatments that re-energize the body’s natural defenses rather than relying on drugs that only slow the disease.

The researchers believe that this approach could also apply to other aging-related diseases where senescent cells accumulate, such as Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease. The next step: more research to explore safety and dosage for future clinical trials.

This opens up an entirely new direction for potential treatment of IPF, Instead of using drugs to kill senescent cells, we are reactivating the immune system to do what it’s meant to do.

Dr. Santu Yadav

Read the full story to learn more about this groundbreaking discovery.