How much does a box of imported obeticholic acid cost in 2025?

Obeticholic acid is indicated for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in adults without cirrhosis or compensated cirrhosis but without evidence of portal hypertension. Chenodeoxycholic acid can be used in combination with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in patients who have poor response to UDCA, or alone in patients who cannot tolerate UDCA. It is not yet known whether takingobeticholic acid will increase a patient's chance of survival or improve a patient's PBC symptoms.

Obeticholic acid's mechanism of action involves activation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in the liver and intestines. This receptor plays an important role in regulating the balance of bile acids, lipids, and glucose in the body. When activated by bile acids, FXR helps reduce the liver's production of bile acids, thereby helping to relieve cholestasis (the accumulation of bile acids in the liver), a key feature of primary biliary cholangitis. In 2016, obeticholic acidunder the brand name Ocaliva received accelerated approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on continued benefit shown in clinical trials.

Obeticholic acid has not yet been approved for marketing in China, so it is not eligible for medical insurance policies, and its domestic price has not yet been determined. Overseas, the common specifications of the original drug of obeticholic acid are 5mg 30 tablets and 10mg 30 tablets. The price per box may be as high as 20,000 yuan or more, but the specific price is affected by exchange rate fluctuations. Although the original drug is effective, its high price prohibits many patients. Fortunately, generic drugs of obeticholic acid are available in overseas markets. The ingredients of these generic drugs are similar to the original drugs. Suppliers include ASEAN Pharmaceuticals of Laos, Beacon Pharmaceuticals of Bangladesh, Mylan Pharmaceuticals of India, etc. The prices are relatively affordable, ranging from a few hundred to 1,000 yuan, but the prices may change due to the exchange rate.

Reference materials:https://www.drugs.com/obeticholic-acid.html