Use of SGLT2 Inhibitors to Treat Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Novel use patent covering SGLT2 inhibitor compounds for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a progressive autoimmune cholestatic liver disease.
About this asset
PBC remains an area of significant unmet medical need with a limited number of approved therapeutic options. This asset extends the Islet Sciences PSC / PBC franchise and offers a complementary commercial pathway alongside the company's other hepatobiliary IP.
Key characteristics
Potential applications
When the immune system targets its own bile ducts.
In PBC, autoreactive immune populations selectively destroy the small intrahepatic bile ducts — driving chronic cholestasis, fibrosis, and progressive liver injury.
Small bile duct destruction — step by step.
Unlike PSC, PBC selectively targets the small intrahepatic ducts. The process is autoimmune, antibody-mediated, and slowly progressive.
The serologic fingerprint of PBC.
PBC's diagnostic certainty comes from a distinct combination of autoantibodies and cholestatic enzymes.
A Chronic Liver Disease With Long-Term Consequences.
PBC is a chronic autoimmune cholestatic disease with sustained patient burden and ongoing therapeutic gaps in incomplete responders.
Two cholestatic diseases. Two distinct biologies.
Toggle below to compare disease mechanism or clinical progression across PSC and PBC.
- Autoimmune-mediated injury (AMA antibodies in most patients)
- Targets small intrahepatic bile ducts
- Chronic lymphocytic cholangitis with periductal inflammation
- Female predominance reported in published literature
- Slowly progressive cholestasis with pruritus and fatigue burden
- Chronic fibro-inflammatory injury of biliary epithelium
- Affects intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts
- Progressive multifocal strictures and segmental dilations
- Strong association with inflammatory bowel disease
- Elevated cholangiocarcinoma and transplant risk
Potential SGLT2-Based Therapeutic Application in PBC.
This patent describes compositions of SGLT2 inhibitors and their use in treating Primary Biliary Cholangitis.
The intellectual property includes SGLT2 inhibitor compositions, including oral dosage forms, directed toward preventing, partially ameliorating, or fully ameliorating symptoms associated with PBC.
Therapeutic-use intellectual property. Not presented as clinically proven or as an approved therapy.
- SGLT2 Inhibitor Compositions
- Oral Dosage Forms
- Potential PBC Application
- Therapeutic-Use IP Position
From biology to partnership opportunity.
- 01Disease Biology
- 02Scientific Hypothesis
- 03Patent Filing
- 04Patent Publication
- 05Development Opportunity
- 06Strategic Partnership
Why PBC May Represent A Valuable Specialty Pharma Opportunity.
Chronic Rare Liver Disease
Recognized rare hepatobiliary indication with persistent patient burden.
Specialty Pharma Market
Active commercial interest from hepatology-focused players.
Unmet Need in Non-Responders
Significant gap remains for patients with incomplete response to first-line therapy.
Potential Repurposing Strategy
Leverages an established and well-characterized drug class.
Oral Therapy Opportunity
Aligned with chronic disease patient preference for oral regimens.
Licensing Potential
Suitable for SGLT2 originators and hepatology specialty pharma.
Explore Development or Licensing Opportunities.
Islet Sciences is evaluating strategic partnerships, licensing discussions, and development opportunities for its therapeutic-use intellectual property portfolio.