How to Get Affordable Nintedanib (Ofev®) and Pirfenidone (Esbriet®) for IPF Treatment?

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease for which only two approved treatments are widely used: Nintedanib (Ofev®) and Pirfenidone (Esbriet®). While these drugs can slow disease progression, they come at a high cost globally. The cost can become a roadblock in treatment for many, resulting in faster progression of the disease and declining quality of life. 

In this blog, we share options to access affordable IPF drugs to help patients struggling with their medical bills, ensuring they receive high-quality and affordable treatment.

What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)?

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a rare and life-threatening lung disease that affects around 100,000 people in the US and millions worldwide. 

With time, the scarring worsens and the lungs struggle to perform. This causes respiratory failure, heart problems or lung infections. Without treatment, IPF can be life-threatening, raising questions:

“How can I afford medications for IPF?” 

“Are there affordable alternatives to these costly IPF drugs?”

We are here to answer these questions.

What are the Medicines for IPF?

With the right support and treatment, many patients are finding ways to manage symptoms and keep moving forward with IPF drugs like:

1. Ofev®- A targeted antifibrotic that blocks multiple growth factor receptors that cause lung scarring. It helps slow lung function decline.
2. Esbriet®- An anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic that reduces scar tissue by regulating fibrosis triggers. It helps reduce the progression of lung damage.
   
   While IPF has no known cure, these medications have helped thousands of patients breathe easier, stay active longer, and live life with more comfort. They don’t reverse the damage, but they can slow things down and give you more good days ahead.
   
   Cost of IPF Medications by Country

Why Are IPF Drugs So Expensive?

• Patent protection delays the entry of affordable generics, and original manufacturers charge premius to cover R&D and marketing costs.
• Complex manufacturing processes increase production costs.
• Limited patient pool for IPF treatment makes pricing less competitive.
• Reimbursement limitations mean not all eligible patients receive full support.

While public or private health systems in countries like the UK, US, Australia, and New Zealand may subsidize IPF treatments, strict eligibility criteria, partial reimbursements, and high list prices often leave many patients facing significant out-of-pocket costs.

UK: NICE approval for specific cases; not all patients qualify.
US: High insurance copays, even with coverage.
Australia & NZ: Covered under PBS/PHARMAC but with waiting lists or conditional approvals.

Manufacturer Assistance Programs

Some patients may qualify for support through manufacturer programs such as:

• OFEV® Support Program (Boehringer Ingelheim)
• Esbriet® Patient Assistance Program (Roche)

Are There Affordable Generic IPF Drugs?

Affordable generics of IPF drugs - Nintedanib and Pirfenidone - are available in countries like India, where patents have expired or are not enforced. These generics are sold at a fraction of the cost compared to brand-name versions like Ofev® and Esbriet®. Personal importation of these affordable alternatives is a feasible option for those who are not adequately covered by their country’s financial assistance program.

Monthly cost:

Cost of 60 capsules 150mg of generic Nintedanib - $280 (Medspartner)

Cost of 100 capsules 801mg of generic Pirfenidone - $145 (Medspartner)

Can I Legally Import Lower-Cost Generic IPF Drugs?

Yes, in many countries it is legal to import medications for personal use under specific conditions. This is especially relevant for patients unable to access subsidized therapy or facing prohibitively high costs.

Requirements for Legal Personal Import:

• A valid prescription
• A signed declaration confirming the medicine is for personal use only
• Use of a reliable supplier compliant with import regulations
• Compliance with other country-specific regulations

How Medspartner Facilitates Personal Importation of Affordable Equivalents of IPF

At MedsPartner, we support patients to legally access affordable nintedanib and pirfenidone through personal importation. We firmly believe that no patient should be left without treatment options because of financial constraints. That's why we offer a safe, affordable and high-quality generics for IPF drugs which are approved by regulatory bodies in India and manufactured at accredited facilities.

We have extensive experience sourcing medicines for patients who are located in any part of the globe through compliant personal importation and can support you every step of the way, from documentation support to timely shipping.

Make Reliable, Affordable Choices for IPF Treatment

Ofev® and Esbriet® are a ray of hope for IPF patients, yet their high cost makes them impractical for many. Thankfully, affordable generic alternatives are available, presenting a more budget-friendly and safe option, offering hope to those in need.

At Medspartner, we help patients under a financial burden source this affordable alternative without any compromise on safety or efficacy.

Need help accessing affordable IPF drugs?

Write to us today to explore safe and affordable ways to purchase affordable versions of IPF medicines. Give us the chance to make living with IPF a little bit easier for you.

About the Author - Aayyush Goyal is the founder of MedsPartner, a global platform improving access to affordable, life-saving medicines. With a background in healthcare consulting and pharmaceutical supply chains, he has over a decade of experience in drug pricing, regulatory policy, and patient rights. Aayyush is a recognized advocate for ethical sourcing, generic access, and cross-border care solutions.