Can obeticholic acid reverse cirrhosis?

The active substance in obeticholic acid (Obeticholic acid), namely Obeticholic, is a modified form of bile acid (the main component of bile). It works mainly by binding to receptors (farnesoid X receptors) in the liver and intestines that control bile production. By attaching to these receptors, obeticholic acid reduces bile production in the liver, preventing it from accumulating and damaging liver tissue.

Obeeticholic acid does not completely reverse cirrhosis in all cases. In patients who have developed significant fibrosis and cirrhosis, obeticholic acid may not fully restore healthy liver tissue. In this case, the goals of treatment are to control the progression of the disease, reduce symptoms, and prevent complications. When treating patients with severe cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class B or C) or a previous event of hepatic decompensation, it is recommended to start with 5 mg of obeticholic acid tablets once weekly and, if necessary and well tolerated, increase to 5 mg twice weekly with at least 3 days between doses.

The original drug of obeticholic acid has not yet been marketed in the country, so it has not been included in medical insurance. The original obeticholic acid drug marketed overseas is expensive, with each box costing around tens of thousands of yuan. The price is also affected by exchange rates and is unstable. It is understood that obeticholic acid has been produced as a generic drug and its ingredients are basically the same as those of the original drug. For example, the price of 5mg*30 tablets produced by a Bangladesh pharmaceutical factory is around RMB 1,000 per box (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate), and the price is cheap. For more drug information and specific prices, please consult a medical consultant.