Asbestosis is a severe and irreversible lung disease that presents a significant challenge in modern medicine due to its progressive nature and the lack of curative therapeutics. Protheragen is committed to advancing the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for asbestosis. Leveraging our comprehensive services and innovative solutions, we aim to accelerate research and development for pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
Overview of Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease marked by widespread interstitial fibrosis of the lungs due to long-term inhalation of asbestos fibers. It is a type of pneumoconiosis that predominantly impacts individuals who have been occupationally exposed to asbestos. It manifests with symptoms like dyspnea, cough, and reduced exercise tolerance, with severe cases potentially progressing to respiratory failure. Radiologically, it often shows interstitial lung patterns, pleural plaques, and honeycombing on HRCT scans. Diagnosis is confirmed by integrating clinical history, imaging studies, and sometimes histopathological examination of lung tissue.

Fig.1 Pathophysiology of Lung Asbestosis. (Purnama N.,
et al., 2025)
Pathogenesis of Asbestosis
The pathogenesis of asbestosis involves a complex interplay of physical, chemical, and biological factors. Inhalation of asbestos fibers leads to their deposition in the alveolar spaces of the lungs. These fibers, particularly those from the amphibole group, are highly biopersistent and resistant to degradation. The presence of asbestos fibers triggers an inflammatory response, activating alveolar macrophages and other immune cells. These cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and proteolytic enzymes, which contribute to tissue damage and fibrosis. The chronic inflammation and oxidative stress lead to the activation of fibroblasts, resulting in excessive collagen deposition and the formation of fibrotic lesions. Additionally, asbestos fibers can induce genotoxic effects, causing DNA damage and mutations, which may contribute to the development of malignancies such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Diagnostics Development for Asbestosis
Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)
Bronchoalveolar lavage involves the collection of fluid from the alveolar spaces, which is then analyzed for the presence of asbestos bodies. Asbestos bodies are asbestos fibers coated with iron and protein, and their detection in BAL fluid is a pathognomonic feature of asbestosis. This technique also allows for the assessment of inflammatory cell populations, providing insights into the ongoing inflammatory response in the lungs.
Histopathological Examination
Histopathological analysis of lung tissue biopsies is essential for confirming the diagnosis of asbestosis. Microscopic examination reveals the presence of asbestos fibers, fibrosis, and characteristic pathological changes such as onion-skin lesions. This invasive method provides definitive evidence of asbestos-induced lung damage and is particularly useful in cases where imaging and BAL findings are inconclusive.
Therapeutics Development for Asbestosis
- Anti-inflammatory Therapies
Anti-inflammatory agents, such as corticosteroids, are commonly used to manage the inflammatory component of asbestosis. These drugs help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms, although their efficacy in reversing established fibrosis is limited. Research is ongoing to develop more targeted anti-inflammatory therapies that can effectively modulate the immune response and mitigate fibrosis progression.
- Antifibrotic Agents
Antifibrotic drugs aim to inhibit the excessive collagen deposition and fibroblast activation that characterize asbestosis. Pirfenidone, for example, has shown promise in reducing fibrosis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and is being explored for its potential benefits in asbestosis. These agents work by interfering with the signaling pathways involved in fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, offering a potential therapeutic avenue for managing fibrotic lung diseases.
Table 1. Therapeutics of Asbestosis.
Therapeutics |
Drug Name |
Target |
Description |
Stage |
Supportive Therapy |
Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisolone) |
Inflammatory Cells and Cytokines |
Suppress acute and chronic inflammatory processes, reducing lung damage. |
Approved |
Supportive Therapy |
Colchicine |
Fibroblasts and Collagen Synthesis |
Antifibrotic effect, potentially slowing down the progression of fibrosis. |
Approved |
Antibiotics |
Various (e.g., Azithromycin, Clarithromycin) |
Secondary Infection |
Used clinically if signs of secondary infection are present. |
Approved |
Vaccines |
Influenza Vaccine |
Immune System |
Prevents respiratory infections caused by pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae. |
Approved |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.
Our Services
At Protheragen, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions for the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for asbestosis. Our services encompass biomarker discovery, preclinical research, and the creation of innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic agents.
Disease Models
- Bronchiolar and Alveolar Epithelial Cells:
- PSC-Derived Organoids
- Inhalation Models
- Intratracheal Instillation Models
- Libby Amphibole Exposure Models
Protheragen's strength in asbestosis diagnostics and therapeutics development is rooted in our multidisciplinary expertise and relentless pursuit of innovation. Our team of scientists, with their extensive experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and preclinical research, is well-equipped to address complex challenges and propel advancements in this field. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Purnama, Nori, et al. "Current Lung Asbestosis Approach for Diagnosis, Not Just Histopathology: A Literature Review." Jurnal Respirologi Indonesia 45.1 (2025): 77-86.
- Wu, Na, et al. "CC-chemokine ligand 18, CXC motif chemokine 13 and osteopontin as biomarkers of silicosis and asbestosis: a prospective observational study." Scientific Reports 15.1 (2025): 6819.
- Paolini, Valerio, et al. "Asbestos treatment technologies." Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management 21 (2019): 205-226.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.