Esbriet (pirfenidone)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Genentech Patient Foundation
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, underinsured (denied coverage), or Medicare beneficiaries who meet financial criteria.
Residency
U.S. resident with valid address
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Calculated at 500% FPL; Genentech generally approves patients with household incomes up to $150,000 regardless of family size if FPL is lower.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Getting Esbriet (Pirfenidone) at No Cost Through the Genentech Patient Foundation
Who Qualifies for the Genentech Patient Foundation?
If you have been prescribed Esbriet (pirfenidone) for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cannot afford it, you may be able to get it at no cost through the Genentech Patient Foundation. This program is designed specifically for patients who need financial help covering their medication. For a single-person household, your annual income must be at or below $75,300 to qualify under standard guidelines — though Genentech generally approves patients with incomes up to $150,000 regardless of family size in some cases. To be eligible, you must be uninsured, have insurance that does not adequately cover Esbriet, or be a Medicare beneficiary who meets the financial criteria. If you are unsure whether you qualify, RX Advantages can help you review your situation before you apply.
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About Esbriet (Pirfenidone)
Esbriet (pirfenidone) is an FDA-approved prescription medication made by Genentech. It is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic and progressive lung disease in which scar tissue builds up in the lungs over time. Esbriet belongs to a drug class called antifibrotic agents and is classified as a pyridone compound. Without insurance or financial assistance, Esbriet can cost thousands of dollars per month, placing it out of reach for many patients. The Genentech Patient Foundation exists to help patients who cannot manage that cost access the medication their doctor has prescribed.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The Genentech Patient Foundation uses income limits based on 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Your household size determines how much income you can have and still qualify. The current income thresholds are:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
If your income falls above these thresholds, you may still qualify. Genentech typically approves patients with household incomes up to $150,000 regardless of family size, as long as other eligibility requirements are met. It is always worth applying even if you are not certain.
To verify your income, Genentech will most commonly ask for your most recent federal tax return, a W-2 form, or three months of recent pay stubs. If your income has changed significantly since your last tax return — for example, due to job loss or retirement — you may be able to use current pay documentation instead. Be honest and thorough when submitting income documents, as incomplete paperwork is one of the most common reasons for delays.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a major role in whether you qualify. Here is how the program applies to different situations:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Esbriet through the Genentech Patient Foundation:
1. Gather your documents. You will need a completed and signed patient application form, a signed Prescriber Foundation Form (completed by your doctor), and proof of income such as your most recent tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs.
2. Get your prescriber involved early. Your doctor or their office staff will need to complete and sign the Prescriber Foundation Form. Contact your doctor's office as soon as possible so this step does not cause delays.
3. Choose your application method. You can apply online at https://www.genentechpatientfoundation.com, by phone at (888) 941-3331, or by fax at (855) 323-2847. All three options are available.
4. Submit your completed application. Make sure all forms are fully signed and that your income documentation is included. Incomplete applications are the most common source of delays.
5. Wait for your review. Genentech typically completes its initial review within two business days.
6. Confirm approval and prescription details. Once approved, Genentech will coordinate with your prescriber to confirm your prescription information before your medication is sent.
7. Receive your medication. Approved patients receive Esbriet shipped directly to their home address.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once you submit a complete application, Genentech typically completes its review within two business days. If your application is approved, Genentech will work with your prescriber to finalize your prescription. Your medication will be shipped directly to your home — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy or your doctor's office. You will not need to do anything at the time of delivery beyond receiving the package.
Enrollment in the program is not permanent. You will need to reapply once a year to continue receiving your medication at no cost. Genentech or RX Advantages can remind you when your reauthorization is due so your supply does not lapse.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not meet the Genentech Patient Foundation's requirements, you have other options worth exploring:
1. Generic or biosimilar alternatives: A generic version of pirfenidone is available. Talk to your doctor about whether pirfenidone (the generic form) is an appropriate option for you, as it may be significantly less expensive.
2. Manufacturer savings card for insured patients: If you have commercial insurance and are not on Medicare or Medicaid, you may be eligible for Esbriet's co-pay assistance card. You can learn more and apply at https://www.esbriet.com/financial-support/co-pay-card.html.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states run their own programs to help residents afford prescription medications. These programs often work alongside Medicare. Check with your state's department of health or aging services to find out what is available in your area.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, drug discount cards, and state programs. Visit https://www.needymeds.org to search by drug name or condition at no cost.
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*This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Eligibility determinations are made solely by Genentech. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/esbriet.html](https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/esbriet.html) before applying.*
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Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Biosimilar / Generic Alternatives
FDA-approved alternatives to Esbriet: Pirfenidone. Ask your prescriber if one of these is clinically appropriate for your condition.
Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)
Genentech offers a savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket cost if you have commercial insurance. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist for current savings card details.
Common Questions
Yes. Unlike many manufacturer assistance programs, the Genentech Patient Foundation does accept Medicare beneficiaries. You will need to meet the financial eligibility requirements, but having Medicare does not automatically disqualify you. Call (888) 941-3331 to confirm your specific situation before applying.
Genentech typically completes its application review within two business days of receiving a complete application. After approval, your prescription details are confirmed with your doctor and your medication is shipped directly to your home. The total time from application to delivery can vary depending on how quickly your doctor submits the required Prescriber Foundation Form.
You may still qualify. Genentech generally approves patients with household incomes up to $150,000 regardless of family size, even if your income exceeds the standard threshold for your household size. It is worth submitting a complete application rather than assuming you will be denied.
Yes. The Genentech Patient Foundation requires annual reauthorization to continue receiving Esbriet at no cost. You will need to submit updated income documentation and a renewed application each year. RX Advantages can help remind you when your renewal is coming up so your medication supply is not interrupted.
Yes. Patients whose insurance has denied coverage for Esbriet may qualify as underinsured. Include documentation of your insurance denial when you submit your application. You can apply online at https://www.genentechpatientfoundation.com or by calling (888) 941-3331 for guidance on what to include.
Ready to Apply for Esbriet Assistance?
RX Advantages handles the entire Genentech Patient Foundation application on your behalf — paperwork, physician coordination, and refill tracking. It takes about 15 minutes to get started.
No SSN required on the web form · From $49.95/month