SAN DIEGO, May 22, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Over the last few days, medical experts including researchers and physicians have been reviewing the positive data reported by two drug trials in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and negative results of a third and asking questions about them all at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) meeting in San Diego. On Tuesday, patients will have an opportunity to hear about the data and ask their own questions.
The Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis (CPF) is hosting a conference call for patients and families affected by IPF. Andrew Tager, M.D., an expert in IPF from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA, will be discussing the data reported on all three trials at the ATS conference.
The CPF represents thousands of patients suffering from the disease in the US that claims as many lives each year as breast cancer yet has limited awareness and recognition.
Who? Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients, Family Members and Caregivers
What? Conference Call to discuss the data from three drug trials for IPF: Boehringer Ingelheim's Nintedanib, InterMune's Pirfenidone and the National Institutes of Health's PANTHER trial of N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
When? Tuesday, May 27, 11 a.m. Eastern
Why? Because Patients have important questions to ask about these game changing trial outcomes
How? Dial in number: 1-866-551-6201, login 303-521-4080
The call will be recorded and will be made available for those who miss the live call.
About Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF)
Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) is a lung disorder characterized by a progressive scarring – known as fibrosis — and deterioration of the lungs, which slowly robs its victims of their ability to breathe. Approximately 200,000 Americans suffer from PF, and there is currently no known cause or cure. An estimated 48,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. PF is difficult to diagnose and an estimated two-thirds of patients die within five years of diagnosis. Sometimes PF can be linked to a particular cause, such as certain environmental exposures, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, residual infection, or autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis. However, in many instances, no known cause can be established. When this is the case, it is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
About the CPF
The CPF is a 501C(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 2001 to accelerate research efforts leading to a cure for pulmonary fibrosis (PF), while educating, supporting, and advocating for the community of patients, families, and medical professionals fighting this disease. The CPF funds promising research into new approaches to treat and cure PF; provides patients and families with comprehensive education materials, resources, and hope; serves as a voice for national advocacy of PF issues; and works to improve awareness of PF in the medical community as well as the general public. The CPF's nonprofit partners include many of the most respected medical centers and healthcare organizations in the U.S. With more than 28,000 members nationwide, the CPF is the largest nonprofit organization in the U.S. dedicated to advocating for those with PF. For more information please visit www.coalitionforpf.org or call (888) 222-8541.