Genentech exploring IPF as positive new Esbriet mortality data announced

New data has shown Esbriet (pirfenidone) from Swiss drug giant Roche’s (ROG: SIX) Genentech unit  can reduce risk of death in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients by up to 38% if they stay on the treatment for up to two years, compared to placebo.

Previously-reported data from a trial at one year showed the risk of mortality was reduced by 48% after treatment with Esbriet, a statistically significant result. The new data at 120 weeks show a strong trend in a reduced risk of death with long-term Esbriet treatment in IPF, according to Roche.

Ben Kramer, vice president of medical affairs at Genentech, explained why Esbriet works, if not precisely how. He said: “We know that Esbriet has an anti-fibrotic effect,” but “We don’t know exactly how that happens, we don’t know the exact mechanism of action. But we know from research that it has this anti-fibrotic effect and that’s the main problem for IPF patients- they develop fibrosis in their lungs, and that leads to death.”