CymaBay Appears Stronger Threat To Ocaliva In PBC Than Ipsen/Genfit

CymaBay and Genfit have been positioning their failed NASH candidates, both PPAR agonists, for approval in second-line primary biliary cholangitis. Analysts call both approvable, but say CymaBay’s drug has a better overall profile.

2023 AASLD
PPAR agonists from Genfit and CymaBay are battling for a second-line indication in PBC • Source: Scrip

Cholestatic liver disease, disorders related to slowing or stalling of the biliary system, have been fallback options for companies also working in the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis space, and two companies that struck out in NASH are on the verge of submitting their PPAR agonists for US approval in primary biliary cholangitis, where they would take on another failed NASH drug, Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc./Alfasigma SpA’s Ocaliva, in second-line treatment.

Key Takeaways
  • CymaBay and Ipsen/Genfit both reported successful Phase III data for treatment of PBC at the 2023 AASLD meeting.

  • Both drugs are PPAR agonists and are expected to replace FXR agonist Ocaliva as second-line therapies for primary biliary cholangitis

Data were presented at the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease annual meeting for both CymaBay Therapeutics, Inc.’s PPAR delta agonist seladelpar and Ipsen SAGenfit SA’s PPAR alpha/delta agonist elafibranor showing therapeutic benefit in PBC, but CymaBay’s drug also showed statistical significance on reducing pruritus, a key side effect seen with Ocaliva (obeticholic acid, an FXR agonist). (Also see "Genfit/Ipsen’s PBC Data Leave Door Open For CymaBay" - Scrip, 30 June, 2023

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip 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 Strategy

More from Business