KOL Conversation: A New Treatment Option

Live from the GHAPP 2024 Conference in Washington, D.C., Dr. Renee Pozza, NP (Southern California GI & Liver Centers) and Allysa Saggese, NP (Weill Cornell Medicine, Manhattan) discuss the latest FDA-approved therapies for Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) and how they fit into the evolving treatment landscape. With new medications offering both biochemical improvements and symptom relief, particularly for cholestatic pruritus, clinicians now have more options to personalize treatment plans. These second-line therapies can be used in addition to or as a replacement for ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in cases of intolerance or inadequate response. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of achieving complete normalization of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin, rather than just targeting reductions, to improve long-term liver health and reduce the risk of disease progression.

The conversation explores how new treatments are addressing fatigue and itching, two of the most challenging symptoms for PBC patients, while also improving overall liver function. The panel highlights the advantages of monotherapy options for patients who cannot tolerate UDCA, as well as strategies to optimize UDCA dosing to maximize effectiveness. They also stress the importance of regularly assessing pruritus and fatigue during patient visits, as many patients may not recognize these symptoms as part of their disease. Additionally, they discuss how once-daily dosing of new medications is improving treatment adherence and patient compliance compared to older regimens.

With PBC treatment strategies evolving, these newly approved medications provide greater flexibility, enhanced safety profiles, and improved long-term disease management. The discussion highlights why now is an exciting time in liver disease care, offering new hope for PBC patients. Watch now to stay ahead on the latest PBC treatment advancements! For more resources, visit GHAPP.org or download the GHAPP ACE app.