Trial of Obeticholic Acid in Patients with Moderately Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis (AH)

Overview

About this study

The main purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of Obeticholic Acid when used in patients with moderately severe alcoholic hepatitis. The researchers suspect that individuals with alcoholic hepatitis have certain abnormalities in how their body handles bile acids (a product made by the liver on a daily basis) produced by the liver. Obeticholic acid has been shown to affect bile acid abnormalities and thus it is possible that obeticholic acid may improve liver condition in individuals with alcoholic hepatitis.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Individuals ≥ 21 years with a diagnosis of acute AH. The diagnosis of acute alcoholic hepatitis will be based on clinical features and testing including hepatomegaly, jaundice, fever, leukocytosis, compatible liver biochemistries in the context of heavy alcohol consumption. A liver biopsy is not mandatory, but will be required to confirm the diagnosis if a firm diagnosis of AH cannot be made on clinical and laboratory criteria
  • Moderate severity defined as MELD score > 11 and < 19
  • Heavy alcohol consumption (defined as > 40 grams per day on average in women and > 60 grams per day on average in men for a minimum of 6 months and within the 6 weeks prior to study enrollment)
  • Written informed consent
  • Negative urine pregnancy test where appropriate
  • Women of child bearing potential should be willing to practice contraception throughout the treatment period

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Significant active infection (e.g., sepsis, or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; SBP). Subjects can be reconsidered after the infection is under control.
  • Serum creatinine > 2.5 mg/dL
  • Must not be receiving systemic steroids > 1 week at the time of Screening or any experimental medicines for AH
  • Presence of any other disease or condition that is interfering with the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of drugs including bile salt metabolism in the intestine. Patients who have undergone gastric bypass procedures will be excluded (gastric lap band is acceptable).
  • Participation in another investigational drug, biologic, or medical device trial within 30 days prior to screening

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Vijay Shah, M.D.

Closed for enrollment

Contact information:

Sarah Wilder R.N.

(507)266-4902

Wilder.Sarah@mayo.edu

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available