Thousands of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients could benefit from new medication that may help reduce one of its most debilitating symptoms – persistent and severe itching, known as pruritus.
Taken as a daily pill, Seladelpar (also called Livdelzi), also reduces elevated liver enzyme levels, which suggests it could slow the progression of the disease. It is recommended for PBC patients who either can’t tolerate ursodeoxycholic acid, the first line of treatment, or haven’t responded well enough to it. Seladelpar may also be more effective than obeticholic acid, a second-line PBC treatment, in reducing moderate to severe pruritus. Around 3,700 PBC patients in England could be eligible for the new drug.
Vanessa Hebditch, Director of Policy at the British Liver Trust said: “We welcome this decision by NICE. PBC can have a profound impact on daily life, particularly for those experiencing debilitating symptoms such as severe itching and fatigue. Having an additional treatment option available on the NHS is an important step forward and offers renewed hope for people who have not benefitted from existing treatments.”
“While this recommendation is a positive step forward, we would also like to see continued investment in research, earlier diagnosis and greater awareness of PBC to ensure everyone affected receives the treatment, support and specialist care they need.”
PBC is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and slowly destroys the small bile ducts within the liver. Over time, this can cause serious liver damage, including scarring and liver failure and, in some cases, can require a liver transplant.
Many PBC patients experience symptoms that can have a severe impact on their daily lives. This includes persistent itching and extreme fatigue that can disrupt sleep, affect people’s ability to work, and take a significant toll on mental health and family life. The disease affects 20,000 people in the UK, 90% of which are women, and it is most commonly diagnosed in people over 40.
If you or a family member has PBC or would like to learn more about the condition, symptoms and treatment options, you can find out more information here.
