Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating a disorder, and methods for inhibiting a stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) in a cell in an individual, the methods generally involving administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of pirfenidone or a pirfenidone analog; comparing a post-treatment SAPK activity level in a biological sample from the individual with a pre-treatment SAPK activity level; and adjusting the dose of the pirfenidone or pirfenidone analog based on the results of the comparison step.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating TNF-?-mediated disorders, the methods generally involving administering to an individual in need thereof effective amounts of pirfenidone or a pirfenidone analog and a second therapeutic agent that reduces TNF-? synthesis or that reduces TNF-? binding to a TNF receptor. The present invention further provides methods for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, the method generally involving administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of pirfenidone. The present invention further provides methods of treating end-stage or advanced Type II diabetes, the methods generally involving administering to an individual in need thereof effective amounts of pirfenidone and insulin.