IPF Cough: Opioid-Based Approach Tested - Summary - MDSpire

IPF Cough: Opioid-Based Approach Tested

Researchers examine oral nalbuphine for chronic cough in IPF, using objective digital monitoring and patient-reported measures.

  • By

  • Kathryn Wighton

  • January 28, 2026

  • 3 min

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Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of an oral κ-opioid receptor agonist, nalbuphine, in reducing cough frequency in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic cough.

Approach:
    Key Findings:
    • At 6 weeks, mean relative reductions in cough frequency were 48% (27 mg), 53% (54 mg), and 60% (108 mg) for nalbuphine, compared to 17% for placebo.
    • Improvements in patient-reported cough frequency, severity, and quality of life were noted in the 54 mg and 108 mg groups.
    • The 108 mg group showed a decline in absolute cough counts from 32 to 12 coughs per hour.
    Interpretation:

    Nalbuphine demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in cough frequency and improvement in related symptoms among patients with IPF, suggesting potential as a treatment option.

    Limitations:
    • The treatment duration was limited to 6 weeks, restricting long-term efficacy and safety assessment.
    • Findings require confirmation in larger phase 3 studies.
    • Assumptions in the primary statistical analysis regarding missing data may introduce bias.
    Conclusion:

    Nalbuphine shows promise in reducing chronic cough in IPF patients, warranting further investigation in larger trials.

    Sources:

Original Source(s)

IPF Cough: Opioid-Based Approach Tested

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • January 28, 2026

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