Pre-Clinical Validation and Translation of a Novel Anti-Fibrotic

Several prominent researchers in fibrosis have estimated that 1:2 deaths are caused by complications associated with fibrosis. The prototype fibrotic disease is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): characterised by altered lung architecture and loss of respiratory surface area leading to increased deposition of extracellular matrix in the lung interstitium.

Current treatments are primarily to limit progression and treat symptoms rather than treat the disease or underlying causes. Pharmaceutical therapies (Esbriet, Ofev) have significant side-effects and only act to slow disease progression.

The need for new anti-fibrotic medication is therefore of paramount importance in sustaining human health and preventing premature deaths.

If left ignored the combination of a growing aged population and diseases, such as fibrosis, will become a crippling public health crisis. Successful project delivery will improve quality of life and enable those affected to continue to work, thereby improving social and economic outcomes (productivity and healthcare costs).