INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASES: KEY TARGETS FOR THERAPY

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a heterogenous group of disorders and pathological conditions of known and unknown nature characterized by extensive and, generally, bilateral damage of the respiratory part of the lungs (alveoli, respiratory bronchioles). Until recently, there weren’t any effective therapies for patients with progressive pulmonary fibrosis, partly because of limited knowledge of the disease pathogenesis. However, in the last decade, new data of etiological, genetic factors and pathogenetic mechanisms of ILD were obtained. Currently, only two drugs were proven effective for treatment of patients with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis: pirfenidone and nintedanib which affect the rate of progression of restrictive changes in the lungs. The search for drugs is continuing in accordance with the growing understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms of ILDs. Notably, recent years saw an “explosion” of pre-clinical studies.