Obeticholic acid

Obeticholic Acid

Obeticholic acid (pronunciation: oh-be-ti-KOH-lik AS-id) is a synthetic bile acid analogue and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist used for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a rare, chronic, and progressive cholangiopathy.

Etymology

The term "Obeticholic acid" is derived from its chemical structure. The prefix "obe-" is derived from obetane, a term used in organic chemistry to describe a certain type of chemical structure. The suffix "-cholic acid" refers to its function as a bile acid analogue.

Pharmacology

Obeticholic acid works by binding to the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a key regulator of bile acid, inflammatory, fibrotic, and metabolic pathways. This binding increases the flow of bile from the liver, reducing the exposure of the liver to toxic levels of bile acids.

Clinical Use

Obeticholic acid is used in the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a rare, chronic, and progressive cholangiopathy that can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and death. It is used in combination with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in adults with an inadequate response to UDCA, or as monotherapy in adults unable to tolerate UDCA.

Side Effects

Common side effects of obeticholic acid include pruritus (itching), fatigue, abdominal pain, rash, oropharyngeal pain, dizziness, constipation, arthralgia (joint pain), thyroid function abnormality, and eczema.

Related Terms

• Bile acid
• Farnesoid X receptor
• Cholangiopathy
• Ursodeoxycholic acid
• Cirrhosis
• Liver failure

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Obeticholic acid
• Wikipedia's article - Obeticholic acid

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