The cause of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is unknown, but some evidence suggests that IPF may progress slower if patients regularly take anti-acid drugs (like lansoprazole). Such drugs reduce stomach acid which some scientists believe may cause scarring in the lungs. Patients are often prescribed anti-acid medication, but we need to better understand if taking these does benefit patients.
The TIPAL Study is investigating whether the addition of lansoprazole slows down the decline of lung function in IPF. The study aims to understand whether treatment with the anti-acid drug lansoprazole affects cough, breathlessness and quality of life compared to current treatments.
The TIPAL Study is one of several clinical trials currently recruiting participants in the UK. You can search for all available trials using the European Pulmonary Fibrosis Federation (EU-IPFF) clinical trial finder or by searching on ClinicalTrials.gov.
If you are interested in taking part in a clinical trial, you must speak to your clinical team.
What is the TIPAL Study?
To find out if lansoprazole benefits people with IPF, patients will receive in addition to their current treatment, either lansoprazole or a placebo tablet (a "dummy treatment" with no active ingredients) for 12 months during the study. The TIPAL study is a Phase 3 clinical trial.
Can I take part?
You may be able to take part if you have a diagnosis of IPF and are aged 40 years and above. If you have had a troublesome cough lasting more than 8 weeks you may also be able to take part in the cough sub-study, although this is optional. Patients currently taking prescribed anti-acid drugs like lansoprazole who wish to take part in the study, may be able to do so following discussion with their hospital or GP.
In all clinical trials, there are lots of different reasons why you may or may not be able to take part. These are known as inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only the clinical trial team will be able to fully determine whether you are able to take part in the study.
What is involved?
All tests can be completed at home with blood tests taken at your GP surgery, or you can visit the hospital if you or the research team prefer.
- Take the study medication as instructed for 12 months
- Complete weekly hand-held spirometry tests at home using equipment provided
At each of the study measurement times (3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months) you will be asked to:
- Attend study visits or phone/video calls
- Complete questionnaires
- Give a blood sample to check it is safe for you to take part
- Wear a cough monitoring device for 24 hours (optional if eligible to take part, at the start of the study and 3 months measurement times only)
Where in the UK is this study taking place?
This study is currently recruiting participants at more than 30+ sites across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
A full list of sites is available here.
Patients who do not live locally to these hospitals may still be able to take part.
If you are interested in taking part or would like more information about this study, you can email tipal@uea.ac.uk
TIPAL is funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme (NIHR 127479). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. Clinical trial registration no:. ISRCTN13526307.
Further news and updates on the programme can be found on the study website here.
You must discuss all aspects of your participation or interest in participating in a clinical trial with your medical team.
This post provides information about an opportunity to participate in research. More detailed information about the study can be found by following the links provided. If you have any questions about the research study, please speak to your medical team and contact the researchers directly. APF does not endorse or recommend any specific study. All responsibility for the study remains with the sponsors and investigators.
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