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Obeticholic acid used to treat primary biliary cholangitis

Obeticholic acid (abbreviated to OCA, trade name Ocaliva), is a semi-synthetic bile acid analogue which has the chemical structure 6α-ethyl-chenodeoxycholic acid. It is used as a drug to treat primary biliary cholangitis, and is undergoing development for several other liver diseases and related disorders. Visit: http://www.aasraw.com/products/obeticholic-acid-powder/

Obeticholic acid (abbreviated to OCA, trade name Ocaliva), is a semi-synthetic bile acid analogue which has the chemical structure 6α-ethyl-chenodeoxycholic acid. It is used as a drug to treat primary biliary cholangitis, and is undergoing development for several other liver diseases and related disorders. Visit: http://www.aasraw.com/products/obeticholic-acid-powder/

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www.aasraw.com<br />

Perugia, with 6α-ethyl-chenodeoxycholic <strong>acid</strong> emerging as the most highly potent FXR<br />

agonist. FXR-dependent processes in liver and intestine were proposed as therapeutic<br />

targets in human diseases. <strong>Obeticholic</strong> <strong>acid</strong> is the first FXR agonist <strong>to</strong> be <strong>used</strong> in human<br />

drug studies.<br />

3.<strong>Obeticholic</strong> <strong>acid</strong> Clinical studies<br />

<strong>Obeticholic</strong> <strong>acid</strong> is undergoing development in phase 2 and 3 studies for specific liver and<br />

gastrointestinal conditions. The United States Food and Drug Administration granted<br />

accelerated approval <strong>to</strong> Ocaliva on May 27, 2016 for the <strong>treat</strong>ment of <strong>primary</strong> <strong>biliary</strong><br />

<strong>cholangitis</strong>. It was approved as an orphan drug based on its reduction in the level of the<br />

biomarker alkaline phosphatase as a surrogate endpoint for clinical benefit. It is indicated<br />

for the <strong>treat</strong>ment of <strong>primary</strong> <strong>biliary</strong> <strong>cholangitis</strong> in combination with ursodeoxycholic <strong>acid</strong> in<br />

adults with an inadequate response <strong>to</strong> UDCA, or as monotherapy in adults unable <strong>to</strong><br />

<strong>to</strong>lerate UDCA. Additional studies are being required <strong>to</strong> prove its clinical benefit.<br />

Primary <strong>biliary</strong> <strong>cholangitis</strong><br />

Primary <strong>biliary</strong> <strong>cholangitis</strong> (PBC), also known as <strong>primary</strong> <strong>biliary</strong> cirrhosis, is an<br />

au<strong>to</strong>-immune, inflamma<strong>to</strong>ry liver disease which produces bile duct injury, fibrosis,<br />

cholestasis and eventual cirrhosis. It is much more common in women than men and can<br />

cause jaundice, itching (pruritus) and fatigue. Ursodeoxycholic <strong>acid</strong> therapy is beneficial,<br />

but the disease often progresses and may require liver transplantation. Animal studies<br />

suggested that <strong>treat</strong>ment with FXR agonists should be beneficial in cholestatic diseases<br />

such as PBC. OCA at doses between 10 mg and 50 mg was shown <strong>to</strong> provide significant<br />

biochemical benefit, but pruritus was more frequent with higher doses. The results of a<br />

randomized, double-blind phase 3 study of OCA, 5 mg or 10 mg, compared <strong>to</strong> placebo<br />

(POISE) were presented in April 2014, and showed that the drug met the trial's <strong>primary</strong><br />

endpoint of a significant reduction in serum alkaline phosphatase, a biomarker predictive<br />

of disease progression, liver transplantation or death.<br />

Nonalcoholic stea<strong>to</strong>hepatitis (NASH)<br />

Non-alcoholic stea<strong>to</strong>hepatitis is a common cause of abnormal liver function with<br />

his<strong>to</strong>logical features of fatty liver, inflammation and fibrosis. It may progress <strong>to</strong> cirrhosis<br />

and is becoming an increasing indication for liver transplantation. It is increasing in<br />

prevalence. OCA is proposed <strong>to</strong> <strong>treat</strong> NASH. A phase 2 trial published in 2013 showed<br />

that administration of OCA at 25 mg or 50 mg daily for 6 weeks reduced markers of liver<br />

inflammation and fibrosis and increased insulin sensitivity.<br />

2 aas15@aasraw.com

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