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PBC overview

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is characterized by inflammation and T cell–mediated destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts1-3

1

Immune-mediated damage to cells in the bile ducts leads to inflammation and bile duct destruction1

2

Bile acids leak out of damaged ducts into the liver parenchyma1

3

Bile acid buildup in the liver leads 
to cholestasis4

Mechanism of disease visual for primary biliary cholangitis. Mechanism of disease visual for primary biliary cholangitis.

Chronic cholestasis can lead to fibrosis and development of cirrhosis3,4

PBC can lead to permanent liver damage5

46% of patients with early-stage PBC progress to intermediate disease within 5 years6

Pruritus and fatigue are primary symptoms of PBC and can severely impact quality of life7-9

Pruritus and fatigue are independent symptoms and should be evaluated separately10

70% icon

Up to
70% have pruritus
that is sometimes severe. Severe itching can be accompanied by stinging and burning, interfering with daily activities7-9,11

78% icon

Up to
78% have fatigue
that is debilitating. Fatigue is described as one of the most disruptive PBC symptoms, a feeling of severe exhaustion  that doesn’t seem to go away7,12

See how PBC can be managed and monitored

References: 1. Younossi ZM, Bernstein D, Shiffman ML, et al. Diagnosis and management of primary biliary cholangitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114(1):48-63. 2. Schnabl B. PPAR agonists in primary biliary cholangitis. N Engl J Med. 2024;390(9):855-858. 3. Carbone C, Milani C, Gerussi A, et al. Primary biliary cholangitis: a multifaceted pathogenesis with potential therapeutic targets. J Hepatol. 2020;73(4):965-966. 4. Galoosian A, Hanlon C, Zhang J, et al. Clinical updates in primary biliary cholangitis: trends, epidemiology, diagnostics, and new therapeutic approaches. J Clin Transl Hepatol. 2020;8(1):49-60. 5. Murillo Perez CF, Ioannou S, Hassanally I, et al; Global PBC Study Group. Optimizing therapy in primary biliary cholangitis: alkaline phosphatase at six months identifies one-year non-responders and predicts survival. Liver Int. 2023;43(7):1497-1506. 6. Gatselis NK, Goet JC, Zachou K, et al; Global Primary Biliary Cholangitis Study Group. Factors associated with progression and outcomes of early stage primary biliary cholangitis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020;18(3):684-692. 7. Lindor KD, Bowlus CL, Boyer J, et al. Primary biliary cholangitis: 2018 practice guidance from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology. 2019;69(1):394-419. 8. Hirschfield GM, Chazouillères O, Cortez-Pinto H, et al. A consensus integrated care pathway for patients with primary biliary cholangitis: a guideline-based approach to clinical care of patients. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;15(8):929-939. 9. European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: the diagnosis and management of patients with primary biliary cholangitis. J Hepatol. 2017;67(1):145-172. 
10. Data on file. Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. 11. Faisal A. Understanding fatigue and pruritus in primary biliary cholangitis. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken). 2024;23(1):e0216. 12. Lynch EN, Campani C, Innocenti T, et al. Understanding fatigue in primary biliary cholangitis: from pathophysiology to treatment perspectives. World J Hepatol. 2022;14(6):1111-1119.

Indication and Important Safety Information

Indication

IQIRVO® is indicated for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in combination with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in adults with an inadequate response to UDCA, or as monotherapy in adults unable to tolerate UDCA.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on reduction of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Improvement in survival or prevention of liver decompensation events have not been demonstrated. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).

Limitations of Use

Use of IQIRVO is not recommended in patients who have or develop decompensated cirrhosis (e.g., ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy).

Important Safety Information

Myalgia, Myopathy, and Rhabdomyolysis: Rhabdomyolysis resulting in acute kidney injury occurred in one IQIRVO-treated patient who had cirrhosis at baseline and was also taking a stable dose of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin). Myalgia or myopathy, with or without CPK elevations, occurred in patients treated with IQIRVO alone or treated concomitantly with a stable dose of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Assess for myalgia and myopathy prior to IQIRVO initiation. Consider periodic assessment (clinical exam, CPK measurement) during treatment with IQIRVO, especially in those who have signs and symptoms of new onset or worsening of muscle pain or myopathy. Interrupt IQIRVO treatment if there is new onset or worsening of muscle pain, or myopathy, or rhabdomyolysis.

Fractures: Fractures occurred in 6% of IQIRVO-treated patients compared to no placebo-treated patients. Consider the risk of fracture in the care of patients treated with IQIRVO and monitor bone health according to current standards of care.

Adverse Effects on Fetal and Newborn Development: IQIRVO may cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy. For females of reproductive potential, verify that the patient is not pregnant prior to initiation of therapy. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraceptives or add a barrier method when using systemic hormonal contraceptives during treatment with IQIRVO and for 3 weeks following the last dose of IQIRVO.

Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Drug-induced liver injury occurred in one patient who took IQIRVO 80 mg once daily and two patients who took IQIRVO at 1.5-times the recommended dosage, of which one presented with autoimmune-like hepatitis. The median time to onset of elevation in liver tests was 85 days. Obtain baseline clinical and laboratory assessments at treatment initiation with IQIRVO and monitor thereafter according to routine patient management. Interrupt IQIRVO treatment if liver tests (ALT, AST, total bilirubin [TB], and/or alkaline phosphatase [ALP]) worsen, or the patient develops signs and symptoms consistent with clinical hepatitis (e.g., jaundice, right upper quadrant pain, eosinophilia). Consider permanent discontinuation if liver tests worsen after restarting IQIRVO.

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions have occurred in a clinical trial with IQIRVO at 1.5-times the recommended dosage. Three patients (0.2%) had rash or unspecified allergic reaction that occurred 2 to 30 days after IQIRVO initiation. Hypersensitivity reactions resolved after discontinuation of IQIRVO and treatment with steroids and/or antihistamines. If a severe hypersensitivity reaction occurs, permanently discontinue IQIRVO. If a mild or moderate hypersensitivity reaction occurs, interrupt IQIRVO and treat promptly. Monitor the patient until signs and symptoms resolve. If a hypersensitivity reaction recurs after IQIRVO rechallenge, then permanently discontinue IQIRVO.

Biliary Obstruction: Avoid use of IQIRVO in patients with complete biliary obstruction. If biliary obstruction is suspected, interrupt IQIRVO and treat as clinically indicated.

Drug-Drug Interactions

IQIRVO may reduce the systemic exposure of progestin and ethinyl estradiol (CYP3A4 substrates), which may lead to contraceptive failure and/or an increase in breakthrough bleeding. Switch to effective non-hormonal contraceptives or add a barrier method when using hormonal contraceptives during treatment with IQIRVO and for at least 3 weeks after last dose.

CPK elevation and/or myalgia occurred in patients on IQIRVO monotherapy. Co-administration of IQIRVO and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors can increase the risk of myopathy. Monitor for signs and symptoms of muscle injury. Consider periodic assessment (clinical exam, CPK) during treatment. Interrupt IQIRVO treatment if there is new onset or worsening of muscle pain or myopathy.

Co-administration of IQIRVO with rifampin, an inducer of metabolizing enzymes, may reduce the systemic exposure of elafibranor resulting in delayed or suboptimal biochemical response. Monitor the biochemical response (e.g., ALP and bilirubin) when patients initiate rifampin during treatment with IQIRVO.

Bile acid sequestrants may interfere with IQIRVO absorption and systemic exposure, which may reduce efficacy. Administer IQIRVO at least 4 hours before or after a bile acid sequestrant, or at as great an interval as possible.

Use in Special Populations

Pregnancy: Based on data from animal reproduction studies, IQIRVO may cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy. There are insufficient data from human pregnancies exposed to IQIRVO to allow an assessment of a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Report pregnancies to Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. adverse event reporting line at 1-855-463-5127 or https://www.ipsen.com/contact-us/.

Lactation: There are no data available on the presence of IQIRVO or its metabolites in human milk, or on effects of the drug on the breastfed infant or the effects on milk production. IQIRVO is not recommended during breastfeeding and for at least 3 weeks following last dose of IQIRVO because the risk to breastfed child cannot be excluded.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: IQIRVO may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating IQIRVO. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with IQIRVO and for 3 weeks after the final dose.

The most common adverse events occurring in ≥10% of patients were weight gain (23%), abdominal pain (11%), nausea (11%), vomiting (11%), and diarrhea (11%).

You are encouraged to report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-855-463-5127.

Please see full Prescribing Information for IQIRVO.