What is the specific price of a box of Obeticholic acid in 2026?

Obeticholic acid is a drug used to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), especially in patients who have had an inadequate response to or intolerance to traditional treatments such as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Although obeticholic acid has not yet been approved for marketing in China, so there is no official domestic price, it is more expensive in overseas markets, especially the original drug.

Overseas, the common specifications of obeticholic acid are 5 mg and 10 mg in 30-piece packages. Depending on the region and retail channel, the price of obeticholic acid original medicine is usually higher, and the price of a box may exceed 20,000 yuan. This price is mainly affected by factors such as drug production costs, import fees, and exchange rate fluctuations. In some developed countries such as the United States and Europe, obeticholic acid, as a new treatment drug, is usually priced at a relatively high level.

Although the price of the original drug is higher, as the market demand for obeticholic acid gradually grows, many pharmaceutical companies have begun to launch generic drugs. Generic drugs are usually more affordable, have basically the same ingredients as the original drugs, and have similar effects. Currently, many pharmaceutical companies have launched generic versions of obeticholic acid overseas, such as ASEAN Pharmaceuticals in Laos, Beacon Pharmaceuticals in Bangladesh, and Mylan Pharmaceuticals in India. Depending on the manufacturer and region, the price of generic drugs usually ranges from a few hundred to 1,000 yuan, which is more economical and affordable than original drugs.

The introduction of generic drugs provides patients with more choices, especially for those who face pressure from drug costs. Generic drugs are undoubtedly an important alternative. However, patients should ensure the quality and safety of the drugs when choosing generic drugs, and it is best to use them under the guidance of a doctor to ensure the therapeutic effect.

Reference materials:https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/ocaliva-epar-product-information_en.pdf