after joining the study, you will undergo initial examinations that include a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and a lung function test called forced vital capacity (fvc).

these assessments establish a starting point for measuring changes over the course of the trial.

based on the baseline information, you will be randomly assigned to receive either deupirfenidone or pirfenidone.

the assignment is done in a way that you and the study staff do not know which medication you receive, ensuring a double‑blind design.

you will begin taking the medication that was assigned to you.

if you receive deupirfenidone, the dose is 2475 mg taken orally in capsule form.

if you receive pirfenidone, the dose is 2403 mg taken orally as a film‑coated tablet.

the medication is taken as directed by the study protocol, typically once each day.

throughout the 52‑week period, you will attend scheduled clinic visits to monitor your health.

at each visit the study team will check your lung function, ask about any side effects, and may perform blood tests or other safety assessments.

these visits occur at intervals defined by the study schedule, allowing the researchers to track how the medication is working over time.

during the trial you will be monitored for any adverse effects.

the study team will review laboratory results and ask you to report any new symptoms, adjusting the treatment plan if necessary.

at the end of the 52‑week study you will undergo a final set of examinations, including another forced vital capacity test.

the results will be compared with the baseline measurements to determine the effectiveness and safety of the medication you received.