: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterised by progressive immune-mediated destruction of the small intrahepatic bile ducts, leading to cholestasis, fibrosis, and ultimately cirrhosis. Despite therapeutic advances, up to 40% of patients fail to achieve an adequate biochemical response to first-line ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and require second-line therapy. This narrative review traces the patient-physician journey from initial clinical suspicion through diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment selection, and long-term comorbidity management, with particular emphasis on the emerging role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists. Fibrates are PPAR agonists that have been used for long time in PBC with evidence of their effect to improve biochemical response in PBC; however, their use remains off-label and they have undergone only limited safety and efficacy evaluation. Novel PPAR agonists-including seladelpar (PPARδ) and elafibranor (PPARα/δ)-have recently received conditional approval following phase 3 trials demonstrating significant reductions in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alongside clinically meaningful improvements in pruritus and fatigue. These agents offer a favourable benefit-risk profile and represent an important therapeutic advance. In conclusion, effective management of PBC requires a holistic strategy integrating early diagnosis, individualised risk stratification, and timely escalation of targeted therapy. PPAR agonists mark a significant evolution in treatment by addressing biochemical disease activity, symptom burden, and quality of life simultaneously. Systematic identification and management of autoimmune and metabolic comorbidities remain essential throughout the patient journey.
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterised by progressive immune-mediated destruction of the small intrahepatic bile ducts, leading to cholestasis, fibrosis, and ultimately cirrhosis. Despite therapeutic advances, up to 40% of patients fail to achieve an adequate biochemical response to first-line ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and require second-line therapy. This narrative review traces the patient–physician journey from initial clinical suspicion through diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment selection, and long-term comorbidity management, with particular emphasis on the emerging role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists. Fibrates are PPAR agonists that have been used for long time in PBC with evidence of their effect to improve biochemical response in PBC; however, their use remains off-label and they have undergone only limited safety and efficacy evaluation. Novel PPAR agonists—including seladelpar (PPARδ) and elafibranor (PPARα/δ)—have recently received conditional approval following phase 3 trials demonstrating significant reductions in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alongside clinically meaningful improvements in pruritus and fatigue. These agents offer a favourable benefit–risk profile and represent an important therapeutic advance. In conclusion, effective management of PBC requires a holistic strategy integrating early diagnosis, individualised risk stratification, and timely escalation of targeted therapy. PPAR agonists mark a significant evolution in treatment by addressing biochemical disease activity, symptom burden, and quality of life simultaneously. Systematic identification and management of autoimmune and metabolic comorbidities remain essential throughout the patient journey.
From unmet needs to new possibilities: PPAR-targeted therapies in the journey of people living with Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Lleo, Ana;Ronca, Vincenzo
2026-01-01
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterised by progressive immune-mediated destruction of the small intrahepatic bile ducts, leading to cholestasis, fibrosis, and ultimately cirrhosis. Despite therapeutic advances, up to 40% of patients fail to achieve an adequate biochemical response to first-line ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and require second-line therapy. This narrative review traces the patient–physician journey from initial clinical suspicion through diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment selection, and long-term comorbidity management, with particular emphasis on the emerging role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists. Fibrates are PPAR agonists that have been used for long time in PBC with evidence of their effect to improve biochemical response in PBC; however, their use remains off-label and they have undergone only limited safety and efficacy evaluation. Novel PPAR agonists—including seladelpar (PPARδ) and elafibranor (PPARα/δ)—have recently received conditional approval following phase 3 trials demonstrating significant reductions in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alongside clinically meaningful improvements in pruritus and fatigue. These agents offer a favourable benefit–risk profile and represent an important therapeutic advance. In conclusion, effective management of PBC requires a holistic strategy integrating early diagnosis, individualised risk stratification, and timely escalation of targeted therapy. PPAR agonists mark a significant evolution in treatment by addressing biochemical disease activity, symptom burden, and quality of life simultaneously. Systematic identification and management of autoimmune and metabolic comorbidities remain essential throughout the patient journey.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
