pirfenidone

Pirfenidone is a synthetic small molecule antifibrotic agent used primarily for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic and progressive interstitial lung disease characterized by inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. It exhibits anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The precise mechanism of action is not fully understood but is believed to involve inhibition of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and collagen 1 production. Pirfenidone downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduces fibroblast proliferation, inhibits collagen synthesis, modulates cellular oxidation by scavenging reactive oxygen species, and prevents excessive scar tissue deposition in various organs. It was first approved in Japan under the brand name Pirespa and later in Europe and the United States as Esbriet[1][6][7].

Brand names

EsbrietPirespa

Other names

inhaled pirfenidonepirfenidone inhalation