Elena Brown
A rare autoimmune cholestatic liver illness called Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) can proceed to fibrosis and/or cirrhosis. There are currently few choices for treatment. Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA), a medication that has been shown to normalize serum markers of liver malfunction, stop the histologic disease from progressing, and extend the time without a transplant, is the first-line treatment for this illness. Unfortunately, 30%-40% of patients do not benefit from this first-line treatment. The sole drug approved for second-line treatment of UDCA nonresponders is Obeticholic Acid (OCA). We describe the mechanism of action, tolerance, and effectiveness of OCA in PBC patients in this review with a focus on its pharmacological characteristics. We also discuss current theories regarding potential treatments for this illness in the future.