Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with Nintedanib: an update.

Introduction

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an incurable, progressive and debilitating disease. Nintedanib is one of two anti-fibrotic therapies available for the treatment of IPF and has been approved since 2014. Together with pirfenidone and antacid medications it has received a conditional recommendation for the treatment for IPF by international clinical practice guidelines.Areas covered: The authors review the mechanisms of action, pharmacological profile and update scientific data and our opinions on efficacy, safety profile and tolerability of nintedanib.Expert opinion: Nintedanib significantly slows disease progression in IPF patients with tolerable and manageable side effects. Its potential future role in the treatment of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases other than IPF is challenging.