The Difference Between Obeticholic Acid and Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Obeticholic acid (Obeticholic acid) is a semi-synthetic farnesateX receptor (FXR) agonist. It is an analog of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and is suitable for the treatment of primary cholangitis (PBC) in combination with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Obeticholic acid effectively inhibits bile acid synthesis and promotes bile acid efflux by activating the FXR-mediated mechanism in a physiologically relevant in vitro cell system (primary human hepatocytes (SCHH)).

Obeticholic acid is a synthetic drug that is a bile acid analog. Its chemical structure is different from naturally occurring cholic acid. Obeticholic acid regulates bile acid metabolism and cholesterol synthesis by activating receptors in the liver, thereby reducing inflammation and fibrosis and protecting liver function. Ursodeoxycholic acid is a natural bile acid extracted from the bile of animals (such as bears). Ursodeoxycholic acid is mainly used to dissolve cholesterol stones, treat liver insufficiency, and improve digestive system function. As a bile acid, it can help digest and absorb fat, and promote cholesterol metabolism.

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.