CULVER CITY, Calif., June 27, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis (CPF) is alerting the Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) community throughout the US to a new Expanded Access Program (EAP) for an investigational therapy for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). The launch of Boehringer Ingelheim's EAP for Nintedanib makes 2014 a watershed year for IPF. The CPF, representing thousands of patients across America who suffer from this disease, that claims as many lives each year as breast cancer, applauds Boehringer Ingelheim's decision.
Boehringer Ingelheims' action is allowed by the FDA under special circumstances for drugs in late stages of development. The offer is for patients who may be ineligible for a clinical trial and who have serious or immediately life-threatening illnesses. Patients must be evaluated by their physicians and meet certain criteria in order to gain access to the drug.
This therapy joins InterMune's EAP for Pirfenidone (May 2014), and together they represent the two first-ever treatment options for IPF patients
To inquire about enrollment, patients can call the Boehringer Ingelheim phone line for the EAP at 1-866-438-8611. Information is also available on clinicaltrials.gov and on the CPF website at http://www.coalitionforpf.org/2014/06/24/boeh...-fibrosis/ .
"This second EAP is of incredible significance to the IPF community, bringing treatment opportunities to patients currently suffering from IPF who might otherwise not receive any medication. As a leading IPF patient advocacy organization, we see this progress as marking the initial stages of victory in the fight against IPF", said Mishka Michon, CEO of the CPF.
About Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF)
Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) is a lung disorder characterized by a progressive scarring – known as fibrosis — and deterioration of the lungs, which slowly robs its victims of their ability to breathe. Approximately 200,000 Americans suffer from IPF, and there is currently no known cause or cure. An estimated 48,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. PF is difficult to diagnose and an estimated two-thirds of patients die within five years of diagnosis. Sometimes PF can be linked to a particular cause, such as certain environmental exposures, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, residual infection, or autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis. However, in many instances, no known cause can be established. When this is the case, it is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
About the CPF
The CPF is a 501C(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 2001 to accelerate research efforts leading to a cure for pulmonary fibrosis (PF), while educating, supporting, and advocating for the community of patients, families, and medical professionals fighting this disease. The CPF funds promising research into new approaches to treat and cure PF; provides patients and families with comprehensive education materials, resources, and hope; serves as a voice for national advocacy of PF issues; and works to improve awareness of PF in the medical community as well as the general public. The CPF's nonprofit partners include many of the most respected medical centers and healthcare organizations in the U.S. With more than 28,000 members nationwide, the CPF is the largest nonprofit organization in the U.S. dedicated to advocating for those with IPF. For more information please visit www.coalitionforpf.org or call (888) 222-8541.
Correction: Reference was made to Pulmonary Fibrosis or PF in the original press release, however, Boehringer Ingelheim's drug is employed specifically for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis or IPF.
Mishka Michon www.CoalitionForPF.org 888-222-8541 X701
