Testing a medication to prevent lung scarring after severe respiratory failure

This trial is testing whether a medication called pirfenidone can help prevent lung scarring (fibrosis) in people recovering from acute respiratory distress syndrome—a severe lung condition that often requires breathing machines in the hospital. Many patients survive the initial crisis but develop serious lung scarring afterward, which can affect their breathing and survival for years. This study wants to know if this medication can stop that scarring from happening.

While doctors have gotten better at treating the acute phase of severe respiratory failure, many survivors develop permanent lung scarring that limits their breathing and quality of life long after leaving the hospital. No current medication has been proven to prevent this scarring, so this trial is testing whether this treatment can change that outcome.