Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause, occurring primarily in older adults, and localized to the lung. IPF is a fatal disease with median survival at 3-5 years. Two drugs have been approved for treatment of IPF, but these drugs fail to reverse scarred lung tissue or to improve survival. Accurate diagnosis of IPF is challenging. In a national IPF survey, 42% endured a year or more between first experienced symptoms and diagnosis; 55% were misdiagnosed at least once.