TIPAL: Treating people with Idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis with the Addition of Lansoprazole

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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is a disease which results in damage to the lung tissue. It is characterised by progressive loss of lung function (measured by breathing tests) and increasing breathlessness. It is incurable and there are few available treatments. It is thought to occur because of tiny “scars” (which we call fibrosis) that develop throughout the lungs.

These breathing tests include spirometry assessments, which measure the amount of air you can breathe out and how fast you can blow it out. Spirometry tests can be carried out at hospital, GP surgeries or your home provided you have the correct equipment and appropriate training. These tests are completed regularly to monitor patient’s lung function.

Previous research suggests that idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis progresses slower if patients regularly take anti-acid drugs (like lansoprazole) and they may be likely to survive longer. Such drugs reduce acid which is thought to cause the scar formation and/or may directly reduce the amount of scar tissue. This is why people are often prescribed these drugs, but we don’t really know if they benefit patients; the aim of our study is to find this out.

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