Research Progress of Two New Antifibrotic Drugs for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis / 中国药学杂志

ABSTRACT

Pirfenidone and nintadanib are two new anti-fibrotic drugs that have been shown to reduce the decline of lung function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in multiple clinical trials,and have become first-line drugs for the treatment of IPF.However there are lack of references for how to choose between these two drugs. This article collected the latest research literatures related to pirfenidone or nintedanib,and summarized pharmacokinetics, pharmacological mechanism, clinical trials and safety profile of pirfenidone and nintedanib, so as to provide reference for clinical drug use. Evidences show both pirfenidone and nintedanib can reduce the decline of lung function and delay disease progression in mild-to-moderte IPF patients, and may have similar effects on severe IPF patients. There are large differences in pharmacological mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and adverse events between these two new antifibrotic drugs. However, in terms of efficacy, there is no clear evidence to show which drug is better. Clinicians choosing drug should base on pharmacokinetic characteristics and adverse events between these two drugs.