Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious condition that has no cure. Many people live only about three to five years after diagnosis. The most common cause of death related to IPF is respiratory failure. However, the European Union (EU) has renewed the fight against IPF by clearing the first medicine to treat this condition to patients. The drug is named Esbriet.

The approval authorizes marketing of Esbriet (pirfenidone) in all 27 EU member states, and marks significant turning point for the treatment of IPF patients in Europe...