Even though Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is considered a rare disease, it is the most common chronic cholestatic liver disease found in adult women. Thousands of people are living with this disease right now, the majority of which have itching symptoms. The “itch” is known as cholestatic pruritus and it is the biggest needed treatment area related to PBC. Not enough has been done to improve the quality of life with PBC as many have a constant itch that creates issues in every aspect of their life.
Some of the problems patients face include:
- Skin issues: Many develop welts from scratching so hard or other skin irritation issues.
- Social anxiety: Many patients are unable to go to social activities or be in public because of the constant itch.
- Emotional stress: Dealing with such an irritating symptom can cause plenty of emotional stress and frustration among patients. It can feel like nothing is ever going to get better.
- Cognitive function: Not being able to focus on anything but the itch can cause cognitive issues and generally being able to live in the moment.
No new therapies have been approved to treat this itch in PBC since the 1960s. This is why PicnicHealth has developed a research partner that is looking to develop a novel drug for these symptoms. The drug is currently in Phase 2b and needs more data in order to take the next necessary step in the process.
The itch is typically underreported in medical records so it has been difficult for our partner to paint the unmet need picture. They need to discuss the itch symptoms with as many patients as possible in order to better provide the necessary information to decision-makers. Providing information on your, or your loved one’s, itch symptoms could drive this novel drug forward and potentially help this firm establish a solution to one of the largest struggles those with PBC are living with every day.
Find out how you can help contribute the needed information to help build the foundation for those that are diagnosed today and will be tomorrow.