Journal of Liver

Advances in pharmacotherapy for primary biliary cirrhosis

2^nd International Conference on Hepatology

May 09-11, 2016 Chicago, USA

Pietro Invernizzi

Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Italy

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Liver

Abstract:

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease mostly seen in middle-aged women characterized by progressive non-suppurative destruction of small bile ducts resulting in intra hepatic cholestasis, parenchymal injury and ultimately end-stage liver disease. Despite major breakthroughs in our understanding of PBC, there remains only one FDAapproved agent for treatment: ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to which one-third of patients are unresponsive. Biochemical response to treatment with UDCA is associated with excellent survival rates in PBC patients. However, there is a need for alternative treatments for non-responders. Results from human epidemiological and genetic studies as well as preclinical studies in PBC animal models have provided a strong impetus for the development of new therapeutic agents. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in translational research in PBC focusing on promising therapeutic approaches, namely immune-based targeted therapies and agents targeting the synthesis and circulation of bile acids. We are in a new era for the development of novel therapies for PBC. Data on fibrates, budesonide and obeticholic acid offer encouragement for non-responders to UDCA.

Biography :

Email: pietro.invernizzi@humanitas.it