Pirfenidone & relaxin: 2 new hopes for fibrotic disease

Abstract

Pirfenidone and relaxin are both under investigation for the treatment of fibrotic disease. At present, there are no effective cures for fibrotic disorders. Both agents are currently in phase II trials, pirfenidone for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and relaxin for systemic sclerosis. Initial clinical results with these agents suggest that they may have therapeutic potential, and that they are better tolerated than current treatment options. Details of the 2 drugs were presented at the 2nd International IBC Conference on Fibrosis [ Washington DC, US; April 1997 ].