Ocaliva PBC Uptake May Be Slow, But Builds Capital For NASH

While Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc. said it anticipates the uptake of its newly approved farnesoid X receptor agonist Ocaliva (obeticholic acid) to be gradual in the primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) population – with the firm declaring it plans to initially target only 700 gastroenterologists and hematologists, or about 30% of treating physicians, although the most experienced – the company insisted it does intend to reach its full target of up to 80% of doctors, or about 4,000, over the course of this year.

Nonetheless, Intercept is now on its way of transitioning from a research and development company to a full-fledged commercial entity, with the PBC approval putting it on the path of...