INHalation of ALOXistatin against IPF- INALOX-PF

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rare but serious lung disease that causes scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs, making it increasingly difficult for patients to breathe. Currently, there are only two approved treatments, and they don`t work well for all patients and can cause significant side effects. Our research focuses on developing a new treatment called aloxistatin that patients can inhale directly into their lungs. When taken as a pill, aloxistatin loses its effectiveness because the body breaks it down too quickly. However, by delivering it directly to the lungs through inhalation, we believe we can make it work much better. Early tests have shown that inhaled aloxistatin is safe and may help reduce both inflammation and scarring in the lungs. In this project, we will conduct detailed laboratory studies to understand exactly how inhaled aloxistatin works and determine the best dose to use in patients. We`ll test it in various models that mimic lung scarring, from individual cells to tissue samples and animal studies. We`re also developing new ways to measure whether the treatment is working using special imaging techniques. Importantly, we`re working closely with patient organizations throughout this project to ensure our research meets real patient needs. Our team includes scientists and doctors from five different European institutions, each bringing unique expertise to solve this complex challenge. If successful, this research will provide the evidence needed to begin testing inhaled aloxistatin in patients with IPF, potentially offering a new, more effective treatment option for this serious disease. Our work could also lead to better ways of identifying which patients are most likely to benefit from the treatment and how to adjust doses for the best results.