JAMA

Long-acting nalbuphine helps ease chronic cough in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

January 27, 2026

This phase 2b randomized, placebo-controlled trial (NCT05964335) across 10 countries evaluated oral nalbuphine ER for chronic cough in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Among 160 patients (median age, 71 years), all three nalbuphine ER doses (27, 54, 108 mg twice daily) produced significantly greater reductions in 24‑hour cough frequency at 6 weeks than placebo, with relative decreases of 48% to 60% vs. 17%. For patient‑reported cough frequency, only the 54‑mg and 108‑mg doses improved scores more than placebo.

Clinical takeaway: Nalbuphine ER—particularly at 54 mg and 108 mg twice daily—may help reduce cough burden in patients with IPF.

Source:

Molyneaux PL, et al; CORAL Study Group. (2026, January 22). JAMA. Oral Nalbuphine in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis-Associated Cough: The CORAL Randomized Clinical Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41569557/