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pirfenidone or nintedanib

Hospices Civils de Lyon · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Pirfenidone and nintedanib are antifibrotic agents that reduce fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition to slow lung fibrosis progression.

Pirfenidone and nintedanib are antifibrotic agents that reduce fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition to slow lung fibrosis progression. Used for Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

At a glance

Generic namepirfenidone or nintedanib
SponsorHospices Civils de Lyon
Drug classAntifibrotic agent
TargetPirfenidone: TGF-β pathway; Nintedanib: FGFR, VEGFR, PDGFR tyrosine kinases
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaPulmonary/Respiratory
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Pirfenidone acts as a general antifibrotic by inhibiting TGF-β signaling and reducing inflammatory cytokine production. Nintedanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting FGFR, VEGFR, and PDGFR, which are key drivers of fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix deposition. Both drugs slow the decline in lung function in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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