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.
Congratulations to our new Alcohol Lead, Prof Ewan Forrest
We are pleased to extend our congratulations to Prof Ewan Forrest who is the new BSG Alcohol Lead.
Vacancy: Member of the ESE Gastroenterology & Hepatology European Specialty Examining Board
The British Society of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, the European Board of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK are seeking to appoint Two members of the Gastroenterology & Hepatology European Specialty Examining Board.
Survey to aid understanding of the current diagnostic pathway of MASLD
NHS England is currently gathering information on the current landscape, approaches and service models for diagnosing Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).