Nintedanib: A Review of Its Use in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Nintedanib (Ofev (R)) inhibits receptor tyrosine kinases implicated in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This article reviews the efficacy and tolerability of oral nintedanib in the treatment of IPF, as well as summarizing its pharmacological properties. In the randomized, double-blind, multinational, 12-month INPULSIS-1 and -2 trials in patients with IPF, nintedanib significantly reduced the decline in forced vital capacity versus placebo, indicating a slowing of disease progression. The time to first acute exacerbation was significantly increased with nintedanib in INPULSIS-2, but not in INPULSIS-1, and significantly less deterioration in health-related quality of life was seen with nintedanib in INPULSIS-2, but not in INPULSIS-1. Nintedanib had an acceptable tolerability profile in patients with IPF; gastrointestinal adverse events (diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting) were reported most commonly. In conclusion, nintedanib is an important new option for the treatment of IPF.