Using bezafibrate to treat patients with primary biliary cholangitis

Measuring Macrophage Activation Markers and Influence on Bile Acid Composition in Patients With Primary Biliary Cholangitis After Treatment With Bezafibrate

University of Aarhus · NCT04514965

This study is testing whether adding bezafibrate to the usual treatment can help people with primary biliary cholangitis who aren't getting better with standard medication.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Aarhus (other)
Locations2 sites (Aarhus N, Central Jutland and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04514965 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the effects of bezafibrate, a PPAR-agonist, as an add-on therapy for patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) who do not respond adequately to standard treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The study will analyze how bezafibrate influences levels of macrophage activation markers, fibrosis markers, and bile acid composition in these patients. By identifying predictors of insufficient response to UDCA, the research aims to improve treatment outcomes for PBC patients. Blood sampling and Fibroscan will be utilized to gather necessary data.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults diagnosed with primary biliary cholangitis who are being offered bezafibrate treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with a life expectancy of less than six months, known cancer, or other liver diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option for patients with PBC who do not respond well to current therapies.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of bezafibrate in PBC is being explored, this approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in previous studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* PBC patient offered bezafibrate treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

* patient age under 18
* life expectancy less than 6 months
* known cancer
* planned liver transplantation within 6 months
* other liver disease (viral, autoimmune, alcohol, NAFLD/NASH)

Where this trial is running

Aarhus N, Central Jutland and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, Bezafibrate, Macrophage activation markers, Fibrosis markers, Bile acid composition

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.