Pulmonary surfactant-based pirfenidone-loaded nanovesicles for inhalation in pulmonary fibrosis

Introduction: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, fatal lung disease. Oral pirfenidone (PFD), an FDA-approved treatment, has limitations due to systemic side effects. Inhaled therapy can improve efficacy at the target organ with fewer side effects. However, challenges like poor drug delivery to distal lung regions and rapid clearance remain. This study developed pulmonary surfactant (PS)-based PFD-loaded nanovesicles (PFD-PSNVs) for targeted lung delivery, prolonged retention, and evaluated their safety, stability, and anti-fibrotic efficacy.

Mincheol Jang, M.S – Ph.D candidates, Department of Bio and Brain Engineering and KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST); Chanhee Oh, Ph.D – Ph.D, Department of Bio and Brain Engineering and KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST); Ok Hwa Jeon, Ph.D – Ph.D, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital; Byeong Hyeon Choi, Ph.D – Ph.D, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital; Kyungsu Kim, M.S – Ph.D candidates, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital; Ji-Ho Park, Ph.D – professor, Department of Bio and Brain Engineering and KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST); Hyun Koo Kim, M.D, Ph.D – professor, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine