Clinical Research Directory

A Study to Test Whether Nerandomilast Can Help Slow Down Changes in the Lung in People With a Family History of Pulmonary Fibrosis

This study is open to people aged 40 years or older who have at least 1 family member with pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition where lung tissue becomes scarred, making it harder to breathe. People can join if a lung scan shows early changes in the lung, called interstitial lung abnormalities, which may lead to lung scarring. People with family members who have pulmonary fibrosis are more likely to develop it themselves. That is why it is important to check early for lung changes and find ways to prevent the condition from getting worse. The purpose of this study is to find out whether a medicine called nerandomilast can help slow down changes in the lung in people with a family history of pulmonary fibrosis. Participants are put into one of 2 groups randomly, which means the group is chosen by chance. One group takes nerandomilast tablets, and the other group takes placebo tablets. Placebo tablets look like nerandomilast tablets but do not contain any medicine. Participants take a tablet twice a day for about 2 to 3 years. There is a 3 out of 5 chance that participants will receive nerandomilast instead of the placebo. Participants are in the study for about 2 to 3 years. Participants visit the study site multiple times: more frequently during the first 2 years (about every 3 months), and then every 6 months thereafter. In the 3rd year, participants also have phone calls with the site staff every 3 months. Doctors regularly test lung function and take chest scans to see if the treatment works. The results are compared between the 2 groups to see if nerandomilast helps. The doctors also check participants' health and take note of any unwanted effects.

Mechanisms of Familial Pulmonary Fibrosis

This a prospective, longitudinal study of first-degree family members of patients diagnosed with familial interstitial pneumonia (FIP). FIP is the familial form of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which is defined as 2 or more bloodline relatives which have a diagnosis of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). The most common form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia in FIP families is IPF (approximately 70%). The inheritance pattern in FIP is consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance. Therefore, individuals in this study have approximately 50% risk of carrying a disease-associated allele. The causative gene is currently only known approximately 20% of families. The main goal of this longitudinal study is to better establish the natural history of FIP and to identify risk factors for later development of symptomatic disease. The investigators' plan is to follow these at-risk individuals with yearly questionnaires and planned in person 2 year follow-ups through age 75 or until they develop symptomatic FIP.

GEN-FPF: Genetic Exploration of Familial Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive lung disease marked by tissue scarring and impaired breathing. Familial pulmonary fibrosis (FPF) makes up 10-20% of PF cases and shares features with idiopathic PF (IPF), but the genetic causes of FPF are not fully understood. This study focuses on uncovering the genetic basis of FPF by analyzing families with multiple affected members. It targets genes involved in fibrogenesis and surfactant disorders, as familial cases often appear earlier and progress more rapidly than sporadic ones. Understanding FPF genetics could: 1. Identify new genetic markers for early diagnosis and prognosis. 2. Improve genetic counseling and preventive strategies for affected families. 3. Reveal therapeutic targets for personalized treatments. 4. Highlight shared molecular pathways between familial and idiopathic PF, potentially benefiting a broader patient group. In summary, the study aims to deepen our understanding of FPF genetics to improve diagnosis, counseling, and treatment for both familial and idiopathic forms of pulmonary fibrosis.

Clinical Genetics and Screening for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common and severe form of interstitial lung disease. Between 2% and 20% of patients with IPF have a family history of the disease, which is considered the strongest risk factor. Therefore, genetic testing has been increasingly considered as a potential tool to identify patients at risk of developing IPF. According to some studies, genetic testing (particularly of MUC5B and TERT mutations) could be useful to rapidly identify unidentified and/or asymptomatic individuals (in families as well as in the general population) who have interstitial lung anomalies (ILA) that may indicate a initial stage of pulmonary fibrosis. Finding efficient screening methods and associated targeted treatments for IPF may be essential to improving the prognosis and quality of life of those suffering from this disease. Objectives of the study: The study involves two populations of study subjects: * patients with FPF and sporadic IPF * first-degree relatives of patients with FPF and sporadic IPF (biological relatives, not spouses) The primary objective is to determine the prevalence rates of interstitial lung abnormalities in at-risk relatives of patient with IPF and FPF. Study design: Multicenter, cross-sectional study without drug and without device conducted in two major Italian tertiary referral hospitals. The entire project is expected to last 24 months.