Testing a new medication for lung scarring disease

Plain-English translation of NCT05988463 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

This is an early-stage safety trial of artesunate, a medication being tested to see if it might help treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)—a serious lung disease where healthy lung tissue gradually becomes scarred and stiff, making it harder to breathe. The study will test three different doses of the medication over 12 weeks to see which dose is safest and works best, and will compare it to a placebo (inactive pill) so researchers can tell what effects come from the actual medication.

IPF is a chronic, life-threatening disease with limited treatment options. Researchers want to explore whether this medication might slow lung scarring and improve breathing, but first they need to confirm it's safe for patients to take.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 40 years old
you have been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis according to international diagnostic guidelines
your lung function (measured by specific breathing tests) is still in a workable range—at least 25–30% of what is typical for your age and size
you are willing to use reliable birth control during the study and for 60 days after the last dose if you can become pregnant or have a female partner who can
you are able to read, understand, and sign a consent form

You likely don't qualify if…

you have an active infection (such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or sinusitis) within the past month
you have had a sudden worsening of your IPF symptoms (called an exacerbation) in the past three months
you are already enrolled in another clinical trial testing a new fibrosis treatment
you have emphysema that is more extensive than the lung scarring on your imaging scans
you have serious heart, liver, or kidney disease or active cancer that would make the study unsafe for you

What participation looks like

You will visit the study site regularly over 20 weeks total. After a screening period of up to 4 weeks, you will take the medication (or placebo) by mouth for 12 weeks, with the dose gradually increasing every 4 weeks. During that time, you'll have blood tests and breathing tests to check how you're doing and how your body is responding. After you stop taking the medication, you'll have a 4-week follow-up period with final tests to make sure you're safe.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 18, 2026 · Not medical advice

Testing a new medication for lung scarring disease

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations