The innovation of a new therapeutic prospect of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF),

with the novel repurpose use of a commonly used drug doxycycline

IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) is a condition of progressing scarring of the lungs with poor survival prospect. The available treatment for IPF is not that effective and is often very costly and many patients end up in lung transplantation. Our innovation has a significance of adding benefit to existing treatment. We have shown that the agent is well tolerated on long term and that its use is likely beneficial across the causes of fibrotic DPLDs (diffuse parenchymal lung diseases). It needs a detailed study to forward a stronger evidence; unfortunately, we could not proceed much for logistic constraints. The institute is sincerely trying to mobilize resources to do a proper double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

(Ind Jr Chest Dis Allied Sci 2007; 49:180, Lung India 2009; 26: 81-85, and Lung India 2011; 28(3):174-179)