Testing a new medication for lung scarring disease

This trial is testing a medication called artesunate to see if it is safe and how well patients tolerate it when treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) — a disease in which lung tissue becomes scarred, making it harder to breathe. Researchers will gradually increase doses of the medication over 12 weeks while carefully monitoring how your body responds. Half of participants will receive the medication and half will receive a placebo (a pill with no active ingredient) to help doctors understand whether any benefits come from the treatment itself.

IPF is a serious, progressive disease with limited treatment options. Current medications slow the disease but don't stop it. Researchers want to explore whether this medication could help by reducing lung scarring and improving how the lungs work.