Prolonged-release pirfenidone shows therapeutic potential in post–COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis

A 3-month course of prolonged-release pirfenidone formulation appears to be safe and efficacious in the treatment of patients with postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC)-pulmonary fibrosis, as shown in a study.

The analysis included 70 patients with PASC-pulmonary fibrosis with mild to moderate lung restriction. All patients received prolonged-release pirfenidone at 1,800 mg per day (1,200 mg in the morning after breakfast and 600 mg in the evening after dinner) for 3 months.

Researchers collected blood samples to confirm the pharmacokinetics of prolonged-release pirfenidone formulation. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded monthly using a short questionnaire. Outcomes such as symptoms, dyspnoea, and pulmonary function tests (spirometry, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, plethysmography, and 6-minute walk test [6MWT]) were evaluated at baseline and at 1 and 3 months after initiation of the prolonged-release pirfenidone treatment.

Commonly documented AEs included diarrhoea (23 percent), heartburn (23 percent), and headache (16 percent). These AEs did not require treatment modifications. Two deaths within the first 30 days of enrolment were recorded, and three opted not to withdraw from the study due to events that were not associated with prolonged-release pirfenidone.

Significant improvements in pulmonary function testing, 6MWT, dyspnoea, symptoms, and CT scan were seen after 3 months of treatment with prolonged-release pirfenidone.