Research Projects

Current Projects

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressively fibrotic interstitial lung disease that is associated with a median survival of 2-3 years from initial diagnosis. To date, there is no treatment approved for IPF in the United States, and only one pharmacological agent has been approved outside of the United States. Nevertheless, research over the past 10 years has provided us with a wealth of information on its histopathology, diagnostic work-up, and a greater understanding of its pathophysiology. Specifically, IPF is no longer thought to be a predominantly pro-inflammatory disorder. Rather, the fibrosis in IPF is increasingly understood to be the result of a fibroproliferative and aberrant wound healing cascade. The development of therapeutic targets has shifted in accord with this paradigm change. This review highlights the current understanding of IPF, and the recent as well as novel therapeutics being explored in clinical trials for the treatment of this devastating disease.

Modern research is an important component of NYCTCM’s core values.There are many diseases and disorders that lack an effective cure from modern bio-medicine. Our research project is to find an alternative or complimentary method to treat such conditions. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive form of lung disease characterized by fibrosis of the supporting framework (interstitium) of the lungs. The cause of IPF remains unknown and there is no current consensus on treatment. We have noticed large samples of patients treated in China showed positive results after receiving certain herbal formulas. NYCTCM has designed a research program to evaluate how effective herbal formulas are in treating IPF patients.

Dr. Libang Zhang is the principle investigator in this program. He graduated from Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1966 and began to practice internal medicine in both of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine in China. He has been working at New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 15 years as a professor, clinic supervisor, Oriental Medicine Program Director, and Chief Traditional Chinese Medicine Adviser. Dr. Zhang has over 50 years of clinical experience and is currently directing the special clinic for respiratory disorders at NYCTCM.