5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  A phase 2b trial tested an oral κ-opioid receptor agonist, nalbuphine, for treating chronic cough in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients.

• 2

  Nalbuphine showed dose-dependent reductions in cough frequency, with a 60% reduction at the highest dose compared to 17% with placebo.

• 3

  Improvements in cough severity and quality of life were noted in patients receiving nalbuphine at 54 mg and 108 mg doses.

• 4

  The trial included 165 patients, with a median age of 71 years, and most were receiving stable antifibrotic therapy.

• 5

  Adverse events were generally mild, with nausea and dizziness being the most common, and the study's limitations included a short treatment duration.