Cirrhosis/Liver Failure News

Rebiotix announced that, in addition to its Australian and Canadian patents, it has received a U.S. patent covering its microbiota restoration therapy compositions and related manufacturing, processing and delivery methods.

A probiotic, bacteria-based powder may preserve and increase liver function by enhancing serum neopterin levels and neutrophils’ production of reactive oxygen species in patients with cirrhosis according to research published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

Allergan plc announced agreements with two different biopharmaceutical companies — a move it said significantly increases its nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and gastrointestinal research and development capacities.

Ocera Therapeutics Inc. announced a phase 1 clinical trial of oral ornithine phenylacetate in patients with cirrhosis. The drug — which also comes in IV form — is believed to be the only ammonia scavenger in clinical development for treatment and prevention of hepatic encephalopathy.

The PeriScreen strip provides an efficient, affordable way to diagnose spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with cirrhosis, according to research published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Eiger BioPharmaceuticals announced that LOWR HDV-4 phase 2 study dosing is complete, according to a press release.

The FDA granted BioVie Inc. orphan drug designation for BIV201 for the treatment of ascites in all instances except those caused by cancer, according to the company.

The rate a patient with advanced cirrhosis walks could be a key factor in determining his or her frailty, according to research published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Research published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology suggests carvedilol, not propranolol, may lower the portal pressure gradient in patients with MELD scores greater than or equal to 15.

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced it began a phase 2 clinical study of its ARC-AAT, an investigational RNA interference-based drug for the treatment of liver disease associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.