obeticholic-acid and Osteoporosis

Primary biliary cholangitis is a progressive, autoimmune disease of the interlobular bile ducts, leading to secondary damage of hepatocytes that may progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. Until recently, the only approved treatment was ursodeoxycholic acid. However, 40% of patients do not have an adequate response. Obeticholic acid was approved for treatment as add-on therapy in this group of patients. Off-label use of fibrates has also been reported to be effective. Several new therapies are in development and may further add to the treatment options available to patients with primary biliary cholangitis.

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Bezafibrate; Chenodeoxycholic Acid; Cholagogues and Choleretics; Comorbidity; Drug Therapy, Combination; Fenofibrate; Fibroblast Growth Factors; Humans; Hypolipidemic Agents; Immunosuppressive Agents; Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary; Malnutrition; Osteoporosis; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; Ursodeoxycholic Acid