The Role of Fibrates in Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is recognized worldwide as the standard of care of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Obeticholic acid and fibrates have recently shown the potential to further improve the biochemical markers of PBC. The purpose of this review is to discuss more specifically the role of fibrates in PBC. The BEZURSO trial (Phase 3 Study of Bezafibrate in Combination With Ursodeoxycholic Acid in Primary Biliary Cholangitis) is the first ever placebo-controlled trial of a fibrate in PBC. In this 24-month study, second-line use of bezafibrate in addition to continued UDCA resulted in a rate of complete biochemical response significantly higher than that achieved with placebo and UDCA. This effect was associated with a parallel improvement in symptoms and surrogate markers of fibrosis. Studies aiming to determine the effect of bezafibrate on long-term outcomes are still needed. Bezafibrate (probably fibrates in general) should be considered as a second-line therapy of PBC in patients with incomplete response to or intolerance of UDCA.