Fibrosis refers to the tough scar tissue that many of our organs produce as a response to injury and inflammation. Scientists estimate that fibrosis may be the direct cause behind 45 percent of all deaths in developed nations; it is implicated in multiple diseases, from lung-related diseases to kidney failure.

A new study conducted in mice by Monica Cassandras and colleagues at the UC San Francisco Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI), published Oct.12 2020 in Nature Cell Biology, highlights the potential of a, “novel, inhalable regenerative therapy for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).” One of the main characteristics of IPF is progressive scarring of the lung tissue responsible for exchanging blood CO2 for oxygen without an identifiable cause. IPF affects 1 in every 200 adults over the age of 60 in the United States, meaning that over 200,000 people currently live with this condition. Unfortunately, there are no current cures for IPF, and there are about 50,000 new cases being diagnosed annually.
“Current therapy and pharmacologic strategies target the scarring process in IPF, but little attention has been paid to how scarring alters the natural regenerative capacity of the lung,” said Tien Peng, MD, an assistant professor in residence in the UCSF Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care and the principal investigator of the new study.
By examining the signaling between scar-forming cells and lung stem cells, the researchers at UCSF have identified the specific signaling proteins that mutate in the fibrotic lung. Their research has shown that if mice with lung fibrosis, “inhaled a lab-grown version of a key protein, called bone morphogen protein 4 (BMP4) it could reverse the misbehavior of their stem cells, restore normal lung regeneration, and ultimately improve lung function.”
Our own PF NOW! Virtual Support Group

With the shift into virtual communication this year due to COVID-19, it has been difficult for many individuals to be able to remain connected with their loved ones, friends, and communities. In November 2020, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Now! organization decided to start a Virtual Support Group for our followers and subscribers to create a space for them to meet and connect with others living with or caring for someone with pulmonary fibrosis. We have been meeting via Zoom on a monthly basis and have had participants from various countries join the conversation! In 2021, we hope to continue on with these groups and give our community more opportunities to share their experiences and learn from others. We would like you to know that you are not alone and we are here to support you!
Our own research study on lung fibrosis

We have much anecdotal evidence on the effect of systemic enzymes in reducing PF symptoms including cough and breathlessness and also decreasing the need for supplemental oxygen. The past year, we conducted a small study as proof of concept to collect scientific data on the effect of systemic enzyme supplements on symptoms and quality of life in people with PF. With encouraging results from this study, we have initiated a larger, long-term study to test if the supplements can reverse the fibrin built up in the lungs of people with IPF and reduce symptoms. The study is expected to be completed before the end of 2021. If successful, this would be the first of its kind natural and safe treatment for reversing lung fibrosis in IPF patients.
To connect with others who have or are impacted by PF, join our online community forum, and attend our virtual support groups on Zoom.
3 comments
Michael
Posted on July 18, 2021 at 11:12 pmWould like to join group
PF NOW
Posted on July 27, 2021 at 7:44 amHi Michael, we’d love to see you at our next virtual support group on August 10th. To join the group, please fill out our quick signup form at https://pulmonaryfibrosisnow.org/sign-up-form/.
Though support group is still a couple weeks away, there’s no need to wait for support! Please feel free to join our Facebook group, where people with & impacted by PF post to each other any time of day. You’ll find that the community is very responsive, kind, and encouraging. To be admitted, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/1198991686930106.
Teresa R Lawrence
Posted on January 11, 2022 at 1:59 pmIt’s difficult not knowing what the next day will bring. To anyone who’s just been diagnosed with IPF, or another long-term lung condition, I’d say live life to the full and take all the help you can get. It can be difficult to talk to your family and friends about what you’re going through, but it’s important to make sure they understand what’s happening and how you’re feeling. It’s also crucial to learn as much as you can about your diagnosis. Seek options. Find out about what’s out there that could help.