IPF Awareness Month: Representing the Patient Voice at Queen's Park
In commemoration of IPF Awareness Month, Dr. Martin Kolb (pcitured above; centre) was invited by the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation to speak on behalf of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) at Queen’s Park.
The event was held to raise awareness of the disease among legislators and policy-makers – discussing the need for patients to have access to all available treatments. It is estimated that between 10,000-12,000 Canadians are diagnosed with IPF, and half of these patients will only live with the disease for an average of three to four years.
Dr. Kolb met with the Ontario Drug Plan's Executive Officer, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care representatives, MPPs and stakeholders and discussed the devastating effects of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His recent research has discovered that two new drugs can slow down the progression of IPF – offering the hope of a longer life to those with the disease.