How it works

One of the hurdles of living with a rare disease is the high cost of drugs. Many people find themselves unable to afford the expensive drugs even with health insurance. The anti-fibrotic drugs for pulmonary fibrosis can cost thousands of dollars per month without help.

However there are drug manufacturers and foundations that offer financial assistance to help pay for costly drugs. The groups listed on this page provide grants that may cover all or a significant part of the cost of
expensive medicine.

Find a foundation offering grants

Securing a grant from a foundation requires some work. The specialty pharmacy or your doctor’s office may help you find a grant and may know which organizations have available funds. First, look for foundations that specialize in your disease or manufacture your medication. Then find out if the foundation is currently offering grants, also known as being open. Patient advocacy groups and online communities can offer experience and tips on the process. Once you’ve identified a potential foundation, review their application process and eligibility criteria.

Complete an application

Most foundations require you to complete an application with information about your medical history, financial situation, and the specific medications you need. Many manufacturers, including both OFEV and Esbriet manufacturers, have an assistance organization.

Each foundation sets its criteria for grants. Even though you may have insurance, you may still qualify for help in paying the co-pay. You will need to provide information from your doctor, income, and insurance information. Your doctor or specialty pharmacy may assist you with your application.

Keep trying

If you have been turned down by one organization, don’t stop looking for help. You may receive a grant from another organization because they have different guidelines. Grant amounts vary and generally are good for one year, although he period can be shorter. Grants may also close for a short time when funds are unavailable. Once you have exhausted the funds from a single grant, you might be able to apply to another organization.

Most organizations encourage you to apply online. To find more details or to apply, select the group name to go to their website

These resources are available in the US.

For Esbriet

Esbriet^® (pirfenidone) is manufactured by Genentech, Inc.

• Esbriet  Phone 844-693-7274 option 2 to speak with a representative.
• Rx Hope Phone 877-977-9118 Ext 89864

A generic form of Esbriet is available in the US as of 2022. Produced by Sandoz, it is a genetic equivalent of Esbriet. Generic drugs are typically less expensive, however, it is still quite costly. To learn more about Sandoz generic pirfenidone, visit www.sandoz-pirfenidone.com

For OFEV

OFEV® (nintedanib) is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

• OFEV Open Doors  Phone 866-673-6366
• OFEV Financial Assistance Phone 866-673-6366
• BI Cares Foundation Phone 855-297-5906

For Esbriet or OFEV

• Healthwell Foundation Phone: 800-675-8416
• Patient Advocate Foundation Phone: 800- 532-5274
• Patient Services Inc.Phone: 800-366-7741
• NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders) Phone: 800-999-6673

Search by medication or condition

• Find assistance for drugs you take at Mediare.gov
• Find charitable foundations by condition (requires a free account)

For Systemic Sclerosis, Pulmonary Hypertension, and other conditions

• PAN Foundation Phone: 1-866-316-7263
• Good Days Phone: (877) 968- 7233
• Healthwell Foundation Phone: 800-675-8416
• Patient Advocate Foundation Phone: +1 (800) 532-5274
• The Assistance Fund Phone (855) 845-3663