Structural optimization of Moracin M as novel selective phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and high mortality lung disease. Although the antifibrotic drugs pirfenidone and nintedanib could slow the rate of lung function decline, the usual course of the condition is inexorably to respiratory failure and death. Therefore, new approaches and novel therapeutic drugs for the treatment of IPF are urgently needed.