Can a common supplement slow lung scarring? new trial targets gene clue
NCT ID NCT04300920
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can slow lung decline in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) who have a specific gene variant (TOLLIP TT). Over 200 participants took NAC or a placebo for 24 months. The goal was to see if NAC delays worsening lung function, hospital stays, or death. Results may help tailor IPF treatment based on genetics.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) oral tablets
What this could lead to
If successful, this could show that NAC helps slow lung function decline in IPF patients with the TOLLIP TT genotype, offering a personalized treatment option.
What could go wrong
This is a completed phase 3 trial, but the benefit may be limited to a specific genetic subgroup. NAC is generally safe, but it may not work for all IPF patients.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Indiana University
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
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Lisa Lancaster
Nashville, Tennessee, 37204, United States
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Loyola University
Maywood, Illinois, 60153, United States
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
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Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
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Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, 43221, United States
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Piedmont Healthcare
Austell, Georgia, 30106, United States
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Stanford University
Stanford, California, 94305, United States
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Temple University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19140, United States
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Tulane University
New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, United States
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University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona, 85724, United States
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University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, 60637, United States
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University of Colorado
Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States
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University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, United States
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University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
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University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
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University of Rochester
Rochester, New York, 14642, United States
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University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States
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University of Texas Health San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
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University of Texas Southwestern
Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States
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University of Utah Health
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108, United States
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University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, United States
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University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States
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Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, New York, 10016, United States