German IQWiG finds Esbriet (InterMune) of 'no proven added benefit' for Pulmonary Fibrosis patients

In an early benefit assessment of Esbriet (pirfenidone), from InterMune, for the treatment of adults with mild to moderate idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) found that there was an indication that pirfenidone gave minor added benefit with respect to patients' exercise tolerance. On the other hand, greater harm has been proven: Both study discontinuations and unfavourable effects on the gastrointestinal tract were more frequent than with comparator therapy. The extent of this greater harm was classified as "minor" in each case. Harm to the skin was more frequent; IQWiG classified the extent of this as "considerable". The Institute weighed the benefits and harms and concluded that the extent of added benefit from pirfenidone should be classified as "no proven added benefit".