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.
Alcohol Health Alliance urges action on alcohol-related deaths
Alcohol-related harm continues to place significant pressure on the healthcare system, with nearly 1 million hospital admissions each year linked to alcohol, costing the NHS £4.91 billion annually. The AHA has called for policies such as minimum unit pricing and increased funding for alcohol treatment services to reduce harm and improve public health.
BSG New Consultant Advisory Group
Applications are now open for registrars in their final 2 years of training and consultants within 5 years of CCT from the following regions to join the Group as regional representatives.
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Treating giant pandas: an unusual advanced role for the gastroenterologist
Giant pandas are captivating animals with worldwide interest. Their distinctive colour, furriness and slow, swaggering, lifestyle may be some of the reasons why people love them.