| abstract |
Methods are provided for inhibiting development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and/or for improving or inhibiting decline in exercise capacity in a subject having idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a selective ETA receptor antagonist to the subject. In an embodiment, the method further comprises administering at least one diuretic to the subject. Further provided is a method for treating IPF in a subject, comprising (a) diagnosing IPF without surgical lung biopsy; and (b) if IPF is so diagnosed, administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a selective ETA receptor antagonist, wherein said administration is initiated not more than about 2 years after said diagnosis. Still further provided is a method for improving or inhibiting decline in pulmonary function in a subject having IPF and PH, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an endothelin receptor antagonist to the subject. |