How effective is Obeticholic acid?

Obeticholic acid (Obeticholic acid) is a drug used to treat adults with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). PBC is a chronic liver disease characterized by cholestasis and liver damage. According to clinical studies, obeticholic acid has shown certain efficacy in the treatment of PBC. It has been shown to improve liver function and reduce cholestasis, thereby alleviating related symptoms.

One trial (Study747-302) was designed to evaluate the primary composite of clinical endpoints (eg, death, transplantation) of obeticholic acid in combination with ursodeoxycholic acid or as monotherapy in patients with early, moderately advanced, and advanced PBC. Another trial (Study747-401) was designed to recruit patients with PBC with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child–Pugh classes B and C). Obeticholic acid also slows the progression of the disease and improves patients' quality of life. Everyone responds differently to obeticholic acid, so treatment effects may vary from person to person. Some patients may respond positively to obeticholic acid, while others may experience less improvement. In addition, obeticholic acid may cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue.

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.