Intercept’s OCA Facing Extended Approval Wait In NASH As Known Risks Swamp Uncertain Benefits

Obeticholic acid clinical outcomes data from Phase III trial are needed before approval, US FDA advisory committee says, but Intercept suggests future of ongoing study is in doubt if accelerated approval in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is not forthcoming now.

cloudy horizon
Panel vote suggests any approval of OCA for NASH will be far in the distance. • Source: Shutterstock

A US Food and Drug Administration advisory committee overwhelmingly voted against accelerated approval of Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s obeticholic acid in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), citing the currently unfavorable benefit-risk assessment and the need for outcomes data to determine if a positive effect on a histopathological surrogate translates into clinical benefit.

At a 19 May meeting, 12 of 16 members of the Gastrointestinal Drugs Advisory Committee voted that the benefits of OCA 25 mg do not outweigh the risks in NASH...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from US FDA Performance Tracker

Keep Talking: US FDA’s Beleaguered Biologics Center Remains Vital To Regenerative Medicine

 

Advisory committee for Capricor’s deriamocel planned, regenerative medicine advanced therapy designations proliferate for osteoarthritis, and the ranks of dual RMAT/breakthrough therapy designation holders grow.

Maybe In May: US FDA Calls Coming On Moderna Next-Gen COVID-19 Vaccine, AbbVie’s Big ADC Bet

 

The 31 May goal date for Moderna’s next-generation COVID-19 vaccine looms over the month, but the US FDA's decision lineup includes three more novel agents, including AbbVie's Teliso-V antibody-drug conjugate, as well as supplemental indications like GSK's bid for Nucala in COPD.

AMR-Targeting Drug Secures EMA PRIME Designation

 

Antabio’s next-generation, broad-spectrum antibacterial, MEM-ANT3310, has made it onto the European Medicines Agency’s priority medicines scheme. The company says its product is designed to make a significant impact on the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.

US FDA’s Review Performance Held Steady Despite Stormy First Quarter

 

Organizational turmoil has not yet affected reviews of novel agent applications, with Q1 2025 approvals coming in low, but the first quarter share of the entire year is variable.

More from Regulatory Trackers

Maybe In May: US FDA Calls Coming On Moderna Next-Gen COVID-19 Vaccine, AbbVie’s Big ADC Bet

 

The 31 May goal date for Moderna’s next-generation COVID-19 vaccine looms over the month, but the US FDA's decision lineup includes three more novel agents, including AbbVie's Teliso-V antibody-drug conjugate, as well as supplemental indications like GSK's bid for Nucala in COPD.

EU CHMP Opinions And MAA Updates

 

This is an update of recommendations from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use on the authorization of new medicines in the EU, and updates on EU marketing authorization changes recommended by the CHMP.

AMR-Targeting Drug Secures EMA PRIME Designation

 

Antabio’s next-generation, broad-spectrum antibacterial, MEM-ANT3310, has made it onto the European Medicines Agency’s priority medicines scheme. The company says its product is designed to make a significant impact on the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.