The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) has introduced a comprehensive five-year strategic plan titled The PFF is ME, developed using the insights and lived experiences of more than 350 individuals affected by pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease. This group included patients, families, clinicians, and scientific researchers. The strategy is built around four central priorities: accelerating scientific discovery, widening access to specialist care, enhancing the quality of life for patients today, and uniting the wider PF/ILD community. Guided by the principle that no one should have to navigate pulmonary fibrosis alone, the plan establishes clear objectives for achieving earlier diagnosis, improving opportunities to receive specialist treatment and participate in clinical trials, and expanding education and support services.

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) has formally outlined its new five-year strategic direction, The PFF is ME, a community-led initiative shaped through contributions from more than 350 people living with or supporting someone through pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and interstitial lung disease (ILD). The framework focuses the organisation's efforts on four core commitments: Accelerate Research; Expand Access to Expert Care; Improve the Lives of Patients Right Now; and Bring the Community Together.

More than 250,000 Americans are currently living with PF and ILD. These serious conditions cause ongoing and irreversible scarring of lung tissue, and at present, there is no known cure.

"Our community is united by the impact pulmonary fibrosis has had on our lives and by a shared goal to find a cure," said Scott Staszak, President and CEO of the PFF. "This plan turns that purpose into action--accelerating research, connecting families to care and clinical studies, and strengthening the community that no one should be without after a diagnosis."

"Patients need progress they can feel now," added Amy Hajari Case, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the PFF. "Our plan pushes on all fronts: more precise research through the PFF Registry, faster routes to expert care and clinical trials, and clearer guidance for day-to-day living so that every person with PF has a path to better outcomes while we drive toward a cure."

The plan advances four priorities:

* Accelerate Research: Advance discovery through the PFF Registry, targeted funding, and partnerships that speed ideas from lab to clinic.

* Expand Access to Expert Care: Grow referral pathways and Care Center capacity so more people reach specialists, clinical trials, and trusted resources sooner.

* Improve the Lives of Patients Right Now: Deliver clear education, practical tools, and support services that help families navigate PF/ILD today.

* Bring the Community Together: Elevate the patient and caregiver voice, strengthen peer connections, and mobilize advocates nationwide.

Grounded in the belief that no one should face PF alone, the plan commits the PFF to measurable outcomes across research progress, time-to-diagnosis, access to specialized care and clinical trials, and the reach of education and support.

Supporters can help implement the plan by donating, sharing resources, and connecting newly diagnosed families to the PFF's education, Help Center, Care Center Network, and research opportunities.

Read the PFF Strategic Plan, The PFF is ME.

source:newsreleases.co.uk