Antifibrotic Drugs against Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Pulmonary Fibrosis Induced by COVID-19: Therapeutic Approaches and Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the health and economy of the global population. Even after recovery from the disease, post-COVID-19 symptoms, such as pulmonary fibrosis, continue to be a concern. This narrative review aims to address pulmonary fibrosis (PF) from various perspectives, including the fibrotic mechanisms involved in idiopathic and COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis. On the other hand, we also discuss the current therapeutic drugs in use, as well as those undergoing clinical or preclinical evaluation. Additionally, this article will address various biomarkers with usefulness for PF prediction, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and severity assessment in order to provide better treatment strategies for patients with this disease.