Nintedanib for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: An Indian perspective

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic disease associated with progressive deterioration of lung function and ultimately death. Until recent past, no drug therapy was approved for the management of IPF and patients either received symptomatic treatment or were enrolled in clinical trials. Since 2014, two new drugs with anti-fibrotic potential have been approved following positive outcomes in large-scale clinical trials. Nintedanib is the latest drug in this category and has recently been launched in India. Here we present a review about nintedanib, covering its mechanism of action, efficacy, adverse effect profile, cost effectiveness and implications in the Indian setting.