Odevixibat: First Approval

Drugs. 2021 Oct;81(15):1781-1786. doi: 10.1007/s40265-021-01594-y.

Abstract

Odevixibat (Bylvay™) is a small molecule inhibitor of the ileal bile acid transporter being developed by Albireo Pharma, Inc. for the treatment of various cholestatic diseases, including progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). In July 2021, odevixibat received its first approval in the EU for the treatment of PFIC in patients aged ≥ 6 months, followed shortly by its approval in the USA for the treatment of pruritus in patients aged ≥ 3 months with PFIC. Odevixibat is also in clinical development for the treatment of other cholestatic diseases, including Alagille syndrome and biliary atresia, in various countries. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of odevixibat leading to this first approval for PFIC.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Benzodiazepines / pharmacology
  • Benzodiazepines / therapeutic use*
  • Butyrates / pharmacology
  • Butyrates / therapeutic use*
  • Carrier Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Cholestasis / drug therapy*
  • Cholestasis / physiopathology
  • Drug Approval
  • Drug Development
  • Humans
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Pruritus / drug therapy*
  • Pruritus / physiopathology

Substances

  • Butyrates
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • bile acid binding proteins
  • Benzodiazepines
  • odevixibat