Primary Biliary Cholangitis in 2025: A New Frontier.
Hannah Klatzkow, Indira Bhavsar-Burke, Meredith Pearson...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40439725/Actively Recruiting
Led by Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · Updated on 2026-05-14
260
Participants Needed
130
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
Researchers are evaluating the investigational drug volixibat for treating itching pruritus caused by Primary Biliary Cholangitis PBC, a liver disease. This Phase 2 clinical trial aims to learn more about volixibats effects on itching and its potential impact on PBC disease progression. The study is sponsored by Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Participants are randomly assigned to one of several groups receiving either volixibat capsules at doses of 20mg or 80mg twice daily, or placebo capsules without the active drug, also taken twice daily. The trial includes two parts, with some participants receiving volixibat 20mg twice daily and others receiving matching placebo capsules. The study is double-blind, meaning neither participants nor researchers know which treatment is given. During the study, participants itching levels are monitored using the Adult Itch Reported Outcome questionnaire over 28 weeks. Researchers also assess quality of life, fatigue, sleep disturbance, liver function tests, bile acid levels, and adverse events. Participants will attend regular visits for assessments, and the main outcome measured is the change in daily itch scores from baseline to week 28. The study excludes healthy volunteers and focuses on adults aged 18 years and older with confirmed PBC.
CONDITIONS
A Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of an Investigational Drug Named Volixibat in Patients With Itching Caused by Primary Biliary Cholangitis
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Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Lead Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | Volixibat (investigational drug) | Placebo (trial control) | UDCA‑based symptomatic care (external context) |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Investigational oral IBAT inhibitor given at two doses (20 mg or 80 mg twice daily) | Placebo capsules matched to study drug given twice daily | Standard supportive care including UDCA and antipruritic medications as used currently in PBC patients with pruritus |
| Role in the trial | Active investigational treatment being evaluated for efficacy and safety | Control comparison to evaluate treatment effect versus placebo | Represents usual symptomatic management outside study |
| Main use | Treatment of cholestatic pruritus in PBC | Placebo serves as reference comparator | Symptomatic relief of pruritus in PBC under current practice |
| How administered | Oral capsules taken twice daily | Oral matched capsules taken twice daily | Various; may include oral UDCA and antipruritic agents as prescribed |
| Evidence status | Phase 2b interim results show statistically significant reduction in pruritus (ItchRO) and serum bile acid levels, and improvements in fatigue and sleep | Acts as placebo control to measure investigational effect | Symptomatic relief experience in clinical practice varies; UDCA may not substantially improve pruritus alone |
| Important risks | Common adverse event is mild to moderate diarrhea (≈77%); similar safety between doses; one discontinuation case reported | Placebo group had comparable rate of serious adverse events (including one SAE) | UDCA and common antipruritic agents have established safety profiles but may include gastrointestinal or systemic side effects |
| Limitations | Interim Phase 2b data; long‑term efficacy and safety unknown until confirmatory phase completes | Placebo-only comparison does not demonstrate clinical effectiveness versus existing therapies | Absence of rigorous randomized data limits understanding of comparative effectiveness against investigational agent |
| Patient impact | Reduction in itch severity, improved fatigue, sleep quality and potentially quality of life reported in interim analyses | Placebo helps reveal treatment‑specific benefits; no direct patient benefit expected | Symptom relief is variable; many patients continue to struggle with pruritus despite UDCA and antipruritic medications |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
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Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 28 weeks
Participants receive the study drug or placebo twice daily to evaluate efficacy and safety in treating itching caused by Primary Biliary Cholangitis.
Regular visits during the 28 weeks for assessments
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
5
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Hannah Klatzkow, Indira Bhavsar-Burke, Meredith Pearson...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40439725/Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Lead Sponsor