FDA approved the first two drugs for the progressive lung scarring disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) Oct. 15, pitting Boehringer Ingelheim GMBH’s expertise in lung disease against Roche’s deep pockets and a potential brand recognition advantage.
The drugs are BI’s Ofev (nintedanib) and Roche’s Esbriet (pirfenidone), both of which have been shown to delay progression of the fatal disease. Current treatments for IPF include oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation and lung transplant