Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals and the Duke Clinical Research Institute have expanded their collaboration to create the largest patient registry for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

IPF is a chronic disease where the lung tissue thickens, resulting in improper transfer of oxygen into bloodstream. Consequently, brain and other organs do not get enough oxygen.

This rare and serious disease causes permanent scarring of the lungs.

Through the collaboration, the IPF- PROspective Outcomes (PRO) patient registry will be expanded to target 1,500 patients at approximately 45 clinical sites in the US.

Data collected from IPF patients, as part of (IPF-PRO) multi-centre study, will help advance understanding of disease progression and patient-reported outcomes.

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals clinical development and medical affairs and interstitial lung disease programme lead Craig Conoscenti said: “The IPF-PRO Registry, which represents a valuable academic-industry partnership, is a substantial and important opportunity for Boehringer Ingelheim to contribute to the advancement of our understanding of IP, independent of any particular medication or drug discovery effort.

“We are proud to continue our collaborative partnership with the Duke Clinical Research Institute, as we bring our unique strengths and expertise together in working toward improving the lives of those living with IPF.”

The registry includes characterising and describing the natural history of newly-diagnosed patients; understanding current practice patterns; and describing the impact of IPF on patient quality-of-life.

It will also include a biomarker bank to identify potential blood or genetic markers of the disease that correlate with patient outcomes.