Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UCDA) is a highly hydrophilic bile acid, which dissolves cholesterol and fat in the intestines, and has immune modulating factors. It is an approved drug that may limit liver injury and the effect of HCV. Clinical studies have shown that UDCA alone does not significantly reduce viral amounts. Additional studies have shown that a combination therapy of UDCA and interferon may increase the short-term response to treatment. However, the combination did not result in a long-term disease-free response, but it is effective at reducing the risk of relapse after interferon mono-therapy. UDCA, when given for 12 months, was found to be beneficial in patients with chronic hepatitis C with autoimmune features (Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 1999; 14: 413–18).
Tests on 170 patients over six months showed that combining ursodeoxycholic acid (600 mg/day) and glycyrrhizin is safe and effective, and improves ALT levels. This combination may be an alternative to interferon in chronic hepatitis C virus infection, especially for interferon- resistant or unstable patients (Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1999 Oct;11(10):1077-83).
