European Medicines Association (EMA) statement on Obeticholic acid (Ocaliva) for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
The European Medicines Association (EMA) issued a statement on Obeticholic acid (Ocaliva) for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) on 28 06 2024.
The EMA has recommended that the marketing authorisation for Ocaliva be revoked in the European Union following results of the COBALT trial, 747-302 . In the UK EMA recommendations do not apply, as we are regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). At present, there are no changes to the recommendations on use of Obeticholic acid in PBC from the MHRA or the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and so current prescribing practices should NOT change.
We shall update the UK liver community if there are any changes to the recommendations on the use of Obeticholic acid.
BSG Travelling Fellowship – AASLD and visit to the National Institute of Health in Baltimore
This fellowship aims to offer an opportunity for a trainee who has a strong interest in Hepatology to attend AASLD’s Liver Meeting in Washington DC, USA in November 2025 to see the latest research and clinical updates in Hepatology.
Call for nominations – 24th ECCO IBD Intensive Course for Trainees
The annual IBD Intensive Course is a 1-day course which takes place prior to the ECCO Congress. This is an excellent educational opportunity and a prestigious event, with those who have been in the past rating this very highly.
NHS Approve Initial National Roll Out of GPwER Gastroenterology Programme
A programme to train GPs with extended roles (GPwERs) in gastroenterology has recently been approved by the NHS for a national roll out.