Wednesday's Word

[DonnaBoll]

PPAR drugs -

This is a class of drugs used as second line treatment in Urso non responders. These drugs have long been used as a lipid lowering drugs - although now statins are more widely used for this purpose of lowering cholesterol.

They are not yet approved by FDA use in treating PBC. Often times, Ocaliva (another second line treatment) has greatly increased itching. PPAR drugs are sometimes used as an anti itch medication (Bezafibrate). There is increasing evidence though, that Bezafibrate can impair kidney function - it needs to be monitored closely.

Drugs included in this PPAR class include Seladelpar, Fenfibrate, and Elafibranor. All of these appear to be helpful in treating PBC.