Could a cholesterol drug help fight a rare liver disease?
NCT ID NCT06174402
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether adding fenofibrate (a drug used for high cholesterol) to standard treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid can improve liver health in people with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a rare autoimmune liver disease. About 184 adults with PBC will receive either fenofibrate or a placebo, plus their usual medication, for up to 48 weeks. The main goal is to see if the combo helps normalize a key liver enzyme (alkaline phosphatase) and reduces itching.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Fenofibrate (a drug to lower fats in the blood) and ursodeoxycholic acid (a bile acid drug)
What this could lead to
If it works, this combination could offer a better way to control primary biliary cholangitis, potentially slowing liver damage and easing symptoms like itching.
What could go wrong
This is a mid-stage trial with 184 people, so results may not apply to everyone. Fenofibrate can cause side effects like muscle pain or liver issues, and the added benefit over standard care is uncertain.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PRIMARY BILIARY CHOLANGITIS are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Jiangsu Province Hospital
Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
-
Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital
Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
-
Nanjing Second Hospital
Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
-
Peking Union Medical College Hospital
Beijing, China
-
Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University
Shenyang, Liaoning, China
-
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital
Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
-
The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University
Kunming, Yunnan, China
-
The second hospital of Lanzhou University
Lanzhou, Gansu, China
-
Xijing Hospital
Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
-
Yan'an University Affiliated Hospital
Yan’an, Shanxxi, China