Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Mbata, MD. Last reviewed July 2026.
Pulmonary fibrosis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in particular, is a serious and usually progressive condition, but the research picture is genuinely more hopeful than it has been in years. There are two approved medications that slow the disease, and several new drugs in late-stage trials, some with encouraging early results. Clinical trials matter more here than in many conditions, because the current treatments help but do not cure, and the pipeline is active. Here is what is available now, what is being studied, and how to find a trial, along with the support that exists alongside it.
What Pulmonary Fibrosis Is
Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring of the lung tissue. The scarring stiffens the lungs and makes it harder to move oxygen into the blood, causing breathlessness and a persistent cough. When no cause can be identified, it is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, which is typically progressive.
The prognosis is serious and varies considerably between individuals. That is worth stating honestly. It is equally honest to say that the treatment landscape is expanding, which is a real reason for measured hope rather than despair.
The Approved Treatments
Two antifibrotic medications are approved for IPF, both since 2014: pirfenidone and nintedanib.
It is important to be clear about what they do. They slow the rate of decline in lung function. They do not cure the disease and do not reverse existing scarring. That is a meaningful benefit, since slowing progression preserves function and time, but it is not a cure, and understanding that helps set expectations for what any current treatment can achieve.
Why Trials Matter Here
Because current treatment slows but does not stop the disease, new approaches are being actively researched, and several are in late-stage phase 3 trials.
Without overstating any single unapproved drug, the classes being studied include a new type of anti-inflammatory called a PDE4B inhibitor, an inhaled medication originally used for blood vessel conditions, and several drugs targeting the biological pathways that drive scarring. Some phase 3 trials have reported results suggesting a slowing of lung function decline. These are investigational and not yet approved, so they should be seen as promising research rather than available treatment.
The broader point is that this is the most active the pulmonary fibrosis pipeline has been in years, which is precisely why trial participation is worth considering for people with this condition.
How Trials Cover Costs
In a clinical trial, the investigational drug and the tests done specifically for the study are typically provided at no cost.
Your routine care, meaning the treatment and monitoring you would receive anyway, continues to be billed to your insurance or Medicare in the normal way. Private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid are all required to cover the routine care costs of qualifying trials. Confirm the specifics with the individual trial team, and ask whether travel to the trial site is supported.
Lung Transplant
For eligible patients with advanced disease, lung transplant is a treatment option and can be life-extending. Eligibility depends on age, other health conditions, and the assessing centreās criteria, so it is a discussion to have with your pulmonary team rather than an option that applies to everyone.
How to Find a Trial
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Clinical Trial Finder matches you to trials through a questionnaire and provides site contacts, which is easier to use than the raw registry.
ClinicalTrials.gov is the full registry of all trials.
The PFF Care Center Network lists medical centres with specific expertise in pulmonary fibrosis, which are often the places running trials and providing the most experienced care.
Support and Everyday Care
Alongside disease-modifying treatment, supportive care helps you live with the condition.
Supplemental oxygen eases breathlessness and supports activity as the disease progresses. Pulmonary rehabilitation, a structured programme of exercise and education, helps maintain function and is a standard part of care.
For information and emotional support, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation runs education programmes, support groups, and a help line at 844-825-5733. The American Lung Association also provides patient support and education.
Being diagnosed with this condition is frightening, and connecting with others who understand it, through a support group or the foundationās help line, is something many patients find genuinely valuable rather than a token gesture.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Trial FAQs
Is there a cure for pulmonary fibrosis?
Not currently. Two approved medications, pirfenidone and nintedanib, slow the decline in lung function but do not cure or reverse the disease. Several new drugs are in late-stage trials.
Why should I consider a clinical trial?
Because current treatment slows but does not stop the disease, and the research pipeline is unusually active, with several drugs in phase 3 testing. Trials offer access to approaches not yet available, with close monitoring.
Will a trial cost me money?
The investigational drug and study-specific tests are typically free. Your routine care continues to be billed to insurance or Medicare, which are required to cover routine costs of qualifying trials. Ask the trial team about travel support.
How do I find a pulmonary fibrosis trial?
Use the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Clinical Trial Finder, which matches you through a questionnaire, or search ClinicalTrials.gov. The PFF Care Center Network lists centres with expertise in the condition.
Is a lung transplant an option?
For eligible patients with advanced disease, yes, and it can extend life. Eligibility depends on age, other conditions, and the transplant centreās criteria, so discuss it with your pulmonary team.
What support is available?
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation offers education, support groups, and a help line at 844-825-5733, and the American Lung Association provides patient support. Supplemental oxygen and pulmonary rehabilitation help with day-to-day breathing and function.
