Gyre Therapeutics Announces NMPA Approval for Clinical Trial Evaluating Pirfenidone Capsules in Oncology-Related Pulmonary Complications

Gyre Therapeutics recently announced that the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has approved its clinical trial application for a potential new indication for pirfenidone in oncology-related pulmonary complications. The trial will evaluate pirfenidone capsules for the treatment of radiation-induced lung injury (RILI), with or without immune-related pneumonitis (CIP).

This regulatory milestone marks the expansion of pirfenidone beyond its established role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) into the oncology supportive care space, offering a novel lung-protective strategy for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy or immunotherapy.

In accordance with the NMPA approval, Gyre intends to pursue an adaptive Phase 2/3 clinical trial design, combining dose exploration with efficacy confirmation, to efficiently evaluate pirfenidone’s potential in this new indication.

Radiation-Induced Lung Injury (RILI): Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of lung cancer treatment. However, 5%–25% of patients experience lung damage due to radiation exposure, limiting the ability to escalate doses and thereby compromising treatment efficacy.

Checkpoint Inhibitor Pneumonitis (CIP): Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment, but 13%–19% of patients develop CIP. This condition accounts for approximately 35% of immune-related adverse event (irAE) deaths and often necessitates treatment discontinuation.

Currently, no targeted therapies exist for lung injuries caused by radiation or immunotherapy. Distinguishing between RILI and CIP is challenging, particularly when both occur concurrently. Corticosteroids remain the standard of care despite significant long-term side effects. By targeting and inhibiting fibrotic pathways, pirfenidone may address the root cause of lung injury progression, offering a new treatment option for patients receiving radiation or immunotherapy.

Gyre anticipates initiating the trial in the second half of 2025 at leading academic and oncology centers across the PRC.

Pirfenidone is an orally administered small molecule approved for the treatment of IPF. It works by inhibiting TGF-β signaling and fibroblast proliferation. The drug has demonstrated clinical benefit in slowing lung function decline in IPF and is now being evaluated for oncology-related pulmonary complications. Gyre has held first-in-class status for pirfenidone in the PRC since its original approval in 2011, underscoring its pioneering role in treating fibrotic lung diseases.

Gyre Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in San Diego, CA, primarily focused on the development and commercialization of F351 (Hydronidone) for MASH-associated fibrosis in the U.S. Gyre’s strategy builds on its experience in mechanistic studies using MASH rodent models and clinical studies in CHB-induced liver fibrosis. In the PRC, Gyre is advancing a broad pipeline through its indirect controlling interest in Gyre Pharmaceuticals, including therapeutic expansions of ETUARY, and development programs for F573, F528, and F230.