Intercept Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company that is focused on creating treatments for serious chronic liver diseases. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in New York City. One of the most well-known drugs produced by Intercept Pharmaceuticals is Ocaliva (obeticholic acid), which has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a chronic autoimmune liver disease. Uses: Ocaliva is used to treat a chronic liver disease called primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). PBC is an autoimmune disease that causes the liver to become inflamed, damaged and eventually fail. Ocaliva is a type of medication called a farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist, which works by reducing liver inflammation and improving liver function. Dosage: The recommended starting dose of Ocaliva is 5mg taken orally once daily with food. The dose may be increased to 10mg once daily after 3 months if the patient's response is inadequate and the medication cannot be tolerated. Patients with moderate or severe liver impairment should not take Ocaliva. Side Effects: The most common side effects of Ocaliva include itching, fatigue, abdominal pain, joint pain, and nausea. In rare cases, Ocaliva can cause liver problems, including liver failure, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension. Because of the risk of liver problems, patients taking Ocaliva should have regular liver function tests and should not take Ocaliva if they have severe liver impairment. Interactions: Ocaliva can interact with other medications, including cyclosporine, which can increase the risk of liver problems. Patients taking Ocaliva should make sure their doctor is aware of all other medications, supplements, and herbal products they are taking. Generic: Ocaliva is currently under patent and there is no generic version available. However, when the patent expires, other companies may be able to produce a generic version of Ocaliva. Demographic: PBC is a rare disease that primarily affects women over the age of 40. PBC is most common in northern European populations, but can affect people of all ethnicities. Ocaliva is approved for use in adults with PBC. In conclusion, Ocaliva is a medication produced by Intercept Pharmaceuticals that is used to treat primary biliary cholangitis, a chronic autoimmune liver disease. Ocaliva works by reducing liver inflammation and improving liver function. The recommended starting dose is 5mg taken orally once daily with food. Side effects can include itching, fatigue, abdominal pain, joint pain, and nausea. Ocaliva can interact with other medications, and there is no generic version currently available. Finally, PBC is a rare disease that primarily affects women over the age of 40, and Ocaliva is approved for use in adults with PBC.