How Pirfenidone Works

Pirfenidone (Pirfenidone) is an anti-fibrotic drug that has been shown to slow the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive fibrotic interstitial lung disease of unknown origin characterized by irreversible loss of lung function due to lung scarring, typically occurring in individuals over the age of 60 years.

In a pooled analysis of data from three independent cohorts, pirfenidone has been shown to slow the decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) and reduce the risk of death by 48% at 1 year. A Japanese phase III clinical trial showed that patients taking 1200 mg/day pirfenidone showed similar efficacy in reducing FVC decline as patients taking 1800 mg/day pirfenidone. The efficacy of pirfenidone at a dose less than 1000 mg was also evaluated compared with the control group and was found to be significantly effective in reducing FVC decline. Reducing the dose may help patients better control adverse effects, especially gastrointestinal related ones.

Pirfenidone has been approved for marketing in China under the trade name of Asri. It has entered the scope of Class B medical insurance and is limited to patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The specifications produced by domestic pharmaceutical factoriesThe price of 100mg*54 capsules per box is around RMB 500. There are also generic pirfenidone drugs produced in other countries overseas. For example, the price of a box of 200mg*30 tablets produced by an Indian pharmaceutical factory is around RMB 100 (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). The ingredients of the generic drugs are basically the same as those of the original drug. For more drug information and specific prices, please consult Yaode Medical Consultant.