Are there clinical trials or new treatments available for pulmonary fibrosis? 

Medical research into pulmonary fibrosis is a rapidly evolving field, with numerous clinical trials currently underway in the United Kingdom and globally. While the current standard of care focuses on slowing the progression of scarring through established antifibrotic medications, new research is investigating therapies that aim to stop or even partially reverse lung damage. In the UK, specialist respiratory centres are at the forefront of this research, offering patients the opportunity to participate in trials that test the next generation of respiratory medicine. These studies are essential for developing more effective treatments and improving the long-term outlook for everyone living with the condition. 

What We’ll Discuss in This Article 

• The current landscape of NICE-approved treatments for pulmonary fibrosis. 

• How clinical trials work and the different phases of research. 

• Emerging classes of drugs, including those targeting specific genetic pathways. 

• The role of “repurposed” medications in current clinical studies. 

• How to find and join a clinical trial in the United Kingdom. 

• The importance of the UK Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) registry. 

Current Standard of Care in the UK 

Before exploring new treatments, it is important to understand the current medications approved for use within the NHS. NICE guidance currently recommends two main antifibrotic drugs, nintedanib and pirfenidone, for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who meet specific lung function criteria. These medications work by interfering with the chemical signals that lead to scar formation. While effective at slowing the rate of decline in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), they do not stop the disease entirely and can have significant side effects. This limitation is the primary driver for the current surge in clinical trials seeking more potent or better-tolerated alternatives. 

How Clinical Trials are Structured 

Clinical trials are highly regulated research studies conducted in phases to ensure patient safety and data accuracy. The NHS explains that trials move from Phase 1, which tests for safety in small groups, to Phase 3, which compares the new treatment against the current standard of care in hundreds of patients. For pulmonary fibrosis, many trials are currently in Phase 2 or Phase 3. Participating in a trial allows patients to access “cutting-edge” therapies before they are widely available, while also contributing to the global understanding of the disease. In the UK, all trials must be reviewed by an ethics committee and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). 

Emerging Treatments and Research Directions 

Modern research is moving beyond general antifibrotics to target the specific biological mechanisms that cause scarring. Some of the most promising areas of study include: 

• Autotaxin Inhibitors: These target a specific enzyme involved in the inflammatory and fibrotic response. 

• Monoclonal Antibodies: These are designed to “block” specific proteins that tell the body to produce excess collagen in the lungs. 

• Genetics-Based Therapies: Research is looking at how specific gene variants affect disease progression and whether treatments can be tailored to a person’s genetic profile. 

• Repurposed Drugs: Some trials are investigating whether medications already used for other conditions, such as certain heart medications or inhaled therapies, can also benefit the lungs. 

The Role of the UK ILD Registry 

The UK Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) registry is a vital resource that collects data from patients across the country to help researchers identify patterns in the disease. By participating in the registry, patients allow their clinical data to be used for research that can improve diagnosis and treatment pathways across the NHS. This “real-world evidence” is often used alongside clinical trial data to help NICE decide which new treatments should be funded for general use. Many specialist ILD centres will ask patients if they would like to be included in this registry at the time of their diagnosis. 

How to Find and Join a Clinical Trial 

If you are interested in participating in research, the best first step is to speak with your respiratory consultant or specialist nurse at your ILD centre. They will know which trials are currently recruiting and whether you meet the specific “inclusion criteria,” which often depend on your specific subtype of fibrosis and your current lung function measurements. You can also search the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) “Be Part of Research” website, which lists all active clinical trials in the UK. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you can withdraw from a trial at any time without it affecting your standard NHS care. 

Comparison of Research Phases 

Trial Phase	Primary Goal	Number of Participants
Phase 1	Safety and dosage	20–80 people
Phase 2	Efficacy and side effects	100–300 people
Phase 3	Comparison with standard care	1,000–3,000 people
Phase 4	Long-term impact after approval	Thousands of people

Conclusion 

There is a significant amount of research being conducted into new treatments for pulmonary fibrosis, offering hope for more effective therapies in the future. From new drug classes to genetic research, the UK is at the forefront of these efforts. While not every patient will be suitable for every trial, the growing number of studies reflects a dedicated global effort to better understand and eventually stop the progression of lung scarring. By staying informed and discussing research options with your specialist team, you can play an active role in the future of respiratory medicine. If you experience severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, call 999 immediately. 

Authority Snapshot (E-E-A-T Block) 

This article provides an educational overview of clinical trials and emerging treatments for pulmonary fibrosis, strictly aligned with NHS and NICE research protocols. The content is reviewed by Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, a UK-trained physician (MBBS) with extensive experience in internal medicine and acute care. Her expertise ensures that the information provided is medically accurate and reflects the current landscape of respiratory research and patient safety standards in the United Kingdom.