Volixibat for Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
(OHANA Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a treatment called volixibat for women with Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP), a liver condition during pregnancy that causes high bile acid levels and intense itching. The trial consists of two parts: the first tests two different doses of volixibat to assess safety and tolerability, while the second compares a chosen dose against a placebo (a capsule without the active drug) to evaluate effectiveness. It suits pregnant women diagnosed with ICP who experience significant itching. Participants should not plan to deliver within a week of the trial's start. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Previous studies have tested volixibat for safety in adults with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The research found that volixibat is generally well-tolerated. Some participants experienced side effects, mostly mild, such as stomach-related discomforts like diarrhea. No serious health problems were directly linked to the drug. Since this trial focuses on safety, it suggests that volixibat has shown a reasonable safety profile in earlier research. While some minor side effects might occur, the treatment is not expected to cause significant harm.12345
Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for ICP?
Researchers are excited about Volixibat because it offers a fresh approach to treating intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), a condition typically managed with medications like ursodeoxycholic acid. Unlike these existing treatments, Volixibat works by inhibiting the ileal bile acid transporter, which is believed to help reduce the accumulation of bile acids in the serum. This mechanism targets the root cause of the problem more directly, potentially leading to more effective management of symptoms. Additionally, Volixibat is administered orally, making it a convenient option for patients.
What evidence suggests that volixibat might be an effective treatment for Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy?
Studies have shown that volixibat blocks a protein that moves bile acids in the body. This action can lower bile acid levels, which benefits conditions with high bile acids, such as Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP). Research on volixibat in other conditions, like nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, has demonstrated its ability to reduce disease markers effectively without serious side effects. Specifically, patients in previous studies experienced improvements in liver-related symptoms. These findings suggest that volixibat could help manage ICP symptoms by safely lowering bile acid levels. Participants in this trial will receive different dosages of volixibat or a placebo to evaluate its effectiveness and safety.46789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment Part 1
Open-label randomized study of volixibat to evaluate safety and tolerability of two doses
Treatment Part 2
Double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a selected volixibat dose
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Placebo
- Volixibat
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Lead Sponsor