Beyond organ-specific therapies: A unified approach to multi-organ fibrosis

Organ fibrosis, characterized by excessive scarring of tissues in the liver, kidney, lung, and heart, poses a significant and growing global health challenge, resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality, with a lack of effective treatment options. Most research and drug development efforts have traditionally focused on individual organs in isolation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on multi-organ fibrosis, highlighting recent advances that clarify the complex cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the liver, kidney, lung, and heart. It examines both common and organ-specific factors that drive fibrogenesis. Additionally, the review discusses the current and future landscape of antifibrotic therapies, including innovative approaches to developing pan-organ antifibrotic drugs. Challenges and future directions in the design of clinical trials are also addressed.