by Dr George Mells

CymaBay Therapeutics, a drug company focussed on developing medications for liver diseases including primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), recently announced that it had stopped all studies of a potential new medication called Seladelpar. This is because, in a recent clinical trial of Seladelpar in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, some of the people taking the drug developed inflammation of the liver. Seladelpar was a potential new medication for PBC, so it is disappointing that all studies of this drug have been stopped. On the other hand, patient safety is critical: if there is any suggestion that a medication might be harmful, it is better to err on the side of caution and stop people from taking that drug. CymaBay’s actions are a testament to the rigour with which clinical trials are conducted, and people with PBC will no doubt be relieved that the potentially harmful effects of Seladelpar were picked up during the trial phase.

Some people with PBC might have taken part in a previous clinical trial of Seladelpar. These people have nothing to worry about. They were monitored very closely during the clinical trial, and any problems were identified and addressed at the time of the trial. If they are worried, however, they should get in touch with their liver doctors.  

For further information, please see: https://ir.stockpr.com/cymabay/press-releases/detail/476