Study summary

A bile-acid transport blocker eased the severe itch of PBC

GLISTEN trial (linerixibat) · 238 people, phase 3 · Published October 2025, Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology; FDA approved 2026

What was tested

Linerixibat, a pill that blocks bile-acid reabsorption in the gut (IBAT inhibitor), against placebo, for moderate-to-severe itch caused by primary biliary cholangitis.

What they found

• Itch improved by 2.86 points vs 2.15 with placebo (difference 0.72).
• Diarrhea was common (61% vs 18%); 7% stopped because of stomach side effects.

What it means

The first drug approved specifically for PBC itch, which can be disabling.