Promising Update on Elafibranor Therapy for PBC at AASLD Meeting

The recent American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) meeting provided significant insights into the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). During a late-breaking session, researchers shared promising results from the open-label extension of the phase 3 ELATIVE trial, which explored the long-term effects of elafibranor therapy in patients suffering from this rare liver condition.

PBC is characterized by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts, potentially leading to severe liver damage. Elafibranor, a drug that received accelerated approval from the FDA in June 2024 as a second-line therapy for PBC, demonstrated sustained improvements in patient outcomes over more than three years of treatment.

The extension trial involved 115 patients, who exhibited noteworthy improvements in biomarkers associated with bile flow. Additionally, most participants experienced stabilization in fibrosis markers, indicating a potential to slow disease progression. Notably, symptoms such as moderate-to-severe fatigue and itching, which significantly affect the quality of life for PBC patients, showed sustained improvement throughout the treatment period.

No new safety signals emerged during the trial, which is crucial as ongoing patient safety remains a priority in clinical research. The ELATIVE extension trial continues, with researchers hopeful for further insights into the long-term benefits of elafibranor.

As the conference concluded, attendees expressed gratitude for the valuable information shared, despite the chilly conditions within the conference center. The highlights from the meeting have set a positive tone for future advancements in liver disease research and treatment.

With the promising data on elafibranor, the upcoming Liver Meeting could see even more developments in the treatment of PBC and other liver conditions, paving the way for enhanced patient outcomes.