Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Provides The Latest Disease Education Information

CHICAGO, May 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The newly launched Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Patient Communication Center (PCC) has become the destination for the most up-to-date information for the pulmonary fibrosis community. The PCC now has information about the Expanded Access Program (EAP) for pirfenidone.

"The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) is committed to serve as an impartial resource for the PF community," said Patti Tuomey, EdD, President and Chief Operating Officer. "The PFF is enthusiastic about the changing landscape of available treatments for this devastating and fatal disease. We are pleased to be able to share all the latest information with the community." 

Today, InterMune, Inc. announced that the company will provide compassionate use of pirfenidone through a multi-center Expanded Access Program (EAP) in the United States. There are a limited number of participating sites accepting patients at this time, but it is expected that all clinical sites will be ready to accept patients by the end of September.

"Patients and caregivers have been waiting for the development of new IPF treatments. An Expanded Access Program allows patients to actively participate in the search for therapies that may positively impact their health," said Gregory Cosgrove, MD, Chief Medical Officer for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. "The PFF welcomes all medical news concerning the development of potential treatments and is committed to sharing these updates with the PF community." Dr. Cosgrove is Associate Professor of Medicine in the Pulmonary Division at National Jewish Health in Denver, CO.

Please call 844.TalkPFF (844.825.5733) or email [email protected] to learn more about InterMune's EAP program and how to find out about sites that are accepting patients.

For more information on the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or to get involved, please visit www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.

About the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
The mission of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) is to serve as the trusted resource for the pulmonary fibrosis (PF) community by raising awareness, providing disease education, and funding research. The PFF collaborates with physicians, organizations, patients, and caregivers worldwide. PFF Summit 2015: From Bench to Beside, the PFF's third biennial international health care conference, will be held November 12-14, 2015. For more information visit www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call 888.733.6741 or +1 312.587.9272 from outside of the US.

About Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition in which over a period of time the lung tissue becomes thickened, stiff, and scarred. The development of the scar tissue is called fibrosis. As the lung tissue becomes scarred and thicker, the lungs lose their ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. As a result, the brain and other organs don't receive the oxygen they need. In some cases, doctors can determine the cause of the fibrosis, but in most cases, there is not a known cause. When there is no known etiology for the fibrosis (and certain pathologic or radiographic criteria are met), the disease is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF. IPF affects between 132,000-200,000 people in the United States (US), and between 37,000-40,000 people in the European Union (EU). The annual mortality is estimated to be 40,000 in the US, with an average survival of 2–3 years following diagnosis. There is no cure for IPF. There is presently no FDA-approved treatment for IPF in the US and limited therapeutic options available for individuals with mild-to-moderate IPF in the EU, Canada, and Asia.

Media Inquiries:
Michelle Michael
VP, Marketing & Communications
312.239.6724
[email protected]

Other Inquiries:
PFF Patient Communication Center
844.TalkPFF (844.825.5733)
[email protected]

SOURCE The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation