As a specialist in Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) at the Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Ilan Azuelos, MD is an ardent promoter of improving outcomes for ILD patients. Treatment options for people with rare lung diseases, such as progressive fibrosing interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, may portend a life expectancy of between five and six and a half years after onset of symptoms. Dr. Azuelos knows that with research and education of the general public, this life expectancy can be improved.
“Ainsi, les personnes affligées de cette maladie seraient en mesure de passer plus de temps avec leur famille et de profiter au maximum de la vie.”
Ilan Azuelos, MD, MSc
Fortunately, programs have been initiated to address this area of medicine. MEDTEQ+, a pan-Canadian consortium for medical innovation, is bringing together industry leaders such as Boehringer Ingelheim Canada in partnership against PF-ILD. They aim to identify potential solutions to address the gaps in care for patients with IPD-PF, with the goal of accelerating access to treatments that delay the deterioration of lung function.
With the general public more aware of the symptoms of the onset of lung disease, patients could seek out treatment at an earlier stage. Increased funding for research would lead to a better understanding and the development of novel treatment options. Each would play an important role in a better, perhaps longer, life after diagnosis.
Read the following articles to learn more of the importance of improving education and treatment options for patients with ILD:
- Maladies pulmonaires progressives : accélérer la découverte de solutions médicales. Boehringer Ingelheim Canada in La Presse.ca. February 11, 2021
- No time to waste when it comes to rare lung disease. The Globe and Mail, March 1, 2021 update.