Primary Biliary Cholangitis – Global Clinical Trial Landscape (2023)

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic liver disease primarily affecting women in their 30s and 40s. It's characterized by T-cell lymphocyte-induced damage to bile ducts, potentially leading to biliary cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated. Global incidence rates vary, with higher occurrences in Asia Pacific and Europe, notably in South Korea, Greece, and Canada.

PBC care begins with vaccinations and alcohol moderation. FDA-approved treatments include ursodeoxycholic acid and obeticholic acid. Ongoing research explores new treatment options, necessitating further clinical studies. Asia Pacific, the United States, and Europe have been key players in clinical trials, with the U.S. seeing the highest growth in recent years.

Funding for PBC research fluctuates across regions, with the United States and China leading. Companies like Abcuro Inc, Shaanxi Micot Technology Co Ltd., and HighTide Therapeutics Inc. have secured substantial venture funding. Various drugs, including combinations like glycyrrhizin + ursodiol, are available for PBC treatment worldwide, highlighting global efforts to combat liver diseases.

While PBC presents challenges and opportunities, its global prevalence and changing clinical trial dynamics call for targeted research. See how the development of new drug classes offers the potential for better PBC management, addressing its global impact.