Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a continuous deteriorating type of interstitial lung disease. In clinical practice, inhibition of fibrotic progression is essentially required. Currently available interventions for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are confined to prophylactic effects and also have limitations with dose associated adverse effects. Progressive nature of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and unavailability of therapeutic drugs together disappoint the clinicians and treatment of fibrotic condition seems highly challenging particularly in advanced stage. Further, monotherapy with anti-fibrotic agents may not be adequate as various underlying mechanisms are involved in development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The present article will discuss potential targets to impede fibrotic progression in connection with mechanism based possible strategies to develop advance therapeutic control in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A suitable combination therapy to potentiate anti-fibrotic effects with parallel augmentation of mast cell stability could be considered as a commendable approach in retardation of disease progression as well as aid in the reversal of fibrotic conditions in established idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.