Obeticholic acid price and effects

Obeticholic acid (Obeticholic acid) is a selective farnesoid Recent studies have shown that patients with refractory PBC who receive obeticholic acid rescue therapy may improve certain biochemical indicators, immunological indicators, and clinical symptoms, but the results from different institutions are somewhat inconsistent.

Alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and aminotransferase are widely used as response criteria and primary endpoints in therapeutic studies. Multiple research results show that the incidence rate of the primary endpoint in the combination treatment group (61.3%) is higher than that in the monotherapy group (42.3%), and obeticholic acid treatment is associated with a decrease in serum IgM levels. However, research results on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels show a different trend. Some trials found no significant differences in CRP levels between OCA and placebo, while other studies showed that OCA treatment was associated with significant improvements in CRP. A meta-analysis of published studies confirmed that combination therapy resulted in significantly lower serum CRP levels than UDCA monotherapy. These results highlight the potential importance of combination therapy in improving the overall prognosis of patients with PBC.

Obeticholic acid has not yet received marketing approval in China, so it cannot be included in the medical insurance catalog, and its domestic selling price has not yet been announced. In overseas markets, the original drug of obeticholic acid is mainly available in two specifications: 5 mg 30 tablets and 10 mg 30 tablets. The price of each box may exceed 20,000 yuan, but the specific price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate. The high price of original drugs makes it unaffordable for many patients. However, generic drugs of obeticholic acid are already available in overseas markets. The ingredients of these generic drugs are similar to the original drugs. Suppliers include ASEAN Pharmaceuticals in Laos, Beacon Pharmaceuticals in Bangladesh, Mylan Pharmaceuticals in India, etc. The prices are relatively affordable, ranging from a few hundred to 1,000 yuan, but prices may change due to the exchange rate.

References:https://journals.lww.com/eurojgh/fulltext/2020/09000/combination_therapy_of_obeticholic_acid_and.6.aspx