IPF causes scarring of the lungs, irreversibly destroying normal lung architecture and hindering a person’s ability to breathe. The disease typically occurs in patients over the age of 45, and is more common in men than in women.
On 8 March 2014, advocacy groups and healthcare professionals from a number of European countries will meet in Brussels to identify and agree the key priorities for IPF patients.
The European Patient Charter will then form a central part of efforts to raise awareness of these issues and to bring them to the attention of national and European policy makers.
InterMune Europe general manager Giacomo di Nepi noted the company is dedicated to IPF research and the development of treatments for this irreversible disease.
"We are pleased to play our part in supporting the Charter initiative, which will be essential for improving care and access to healthcare services," di Nepi added.
"The development of a Charter provides clinicians, patient advocacy groups and patients the opportunity of working together to identify the key concerns that can and must be addressed by policy makers."
InterMune has contributed financially to the organization of the first meeting in Brussels. The charter will be launched via an online public petition and a lunch event at the EU Parliament later 2014.