Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market
By Type of Treatment;
Drugs [Primary Treatment (Obeticholic Acid, Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) and Others), Symptomatic Relief Treatment (Antihistamines, Cholestyramine, Antibacterials, Opioid Antagonists and Others)] and Liver TransplantationBy Distribution Channel;
Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies and Online PharmaciesBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market Overview
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market (USD Million)
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market was valued at USD 2,568.38 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 14,818.30 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 28.5%.
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 28.5 %
| Study Period | 2025 - 2031 | 
|---|---|
| Base Year | 2024 | 
| CAGR (%) | 28.5 % | 
| Market Size (2024) | USD 2,568.38 Million | 
| Market Size (2031) | USD 14,818.30 Million | 
| Market Concentration | Low | 
| Report Pages | 394 | 
Major Players
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc
 - Actavis, Inc
 - Teva Pharmaceuticals Inc
 - Epic Pharma, LLC
 - Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc
 - Axcan Scandipharm Inc
 
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market is experiencing notable growth due to rising awareness of autoimmune liver disorders and expanding therapeutic options. An estimated 35% increase in early diagnosis has contributed to demand for novel interventions. Increasing understanding of bile duct complications and chronic inflammation has created new opportunities for advanced therapies and targeted treatments in clinical pipelines.
Innovation and Therapeutic Advancements
Ongoing innovation in drug formulations is reshaping how PBC is managed, especially with the introduction of second-line therapies and bile acid modulators. More than 40% of treatment protocols are now including biologics and synthetic molecules aimed at reducing liver fibrosis. The integration of technological advancements into drug development is streamlining both discovery and delivery, enhancing therapeutic success rates.
Rising Demand and Market Penetration
The demand for effective treatments is supported by a 50% surge in prescriptions for PBC-related therapies in recent years. Enhanced patient education and physician engagement are playing crucial roles in market expansion. Companies are investing in awareness programs and outreach strategies to strengthen their presence in both existing and emerging regions, helping to bridge treatment gaps.
Future Outlook and Growth Potential
The future of the Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market appears promising, with expected growth of over 60% in clinical research funding. Key stakeholders are focusing on long-term treatment efficacy, improved patient compliance, and minimizing side effects. The emphasis on personalized medicine and pharmacogenomics is likely to shape the next wave of innovative treatment strategies and secure the market’s long-term outlook.
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market Key Takeaways
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The global Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market was valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach around USD 2.3 billion by 2032.
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Market growth is primarily driven by increasing prevalence of chronic liver diseases, rising diagnosis rates of autoimmune liver disorders, and advancements in novel bile acid and non-bile acid-based therapies.
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The Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market is segmented by drug class (ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), obeticholic acid (OCA), and others), by route of administration (oral and injectable), by distribution channel (hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies), and by region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa).
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North America dominates the PBC Treatment Market owing to high prevalence of liver disorders, strong presence of pharmaceutical companies, and rapid adoption of FDA-approved therapies. Europe also holds a significant share driven by favorable healthcare infrastructure and ongoing clinical research in novel therapeutic mechanisms.
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Key market opportunities include development of combination and next-generation PPAR agonist therapies, advancements in non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers, and expansion of treatment access in emerging economies.
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Market challenges include limited therapeutic options for non-responders to UDCA, high cost of branded drugs, and regulatory hurdles in novel drug approvals.
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Leading industry players are focusing on clinical trials for innovative treatment approaches, strategic partnerships with research organizations, and expansion of commercialization strategies to strengthen their position in the Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market.
 
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market Recent Developments
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In March 2020, Intercept Pharmaceuticals partnered with The PBC Foundation to advance research and development of new therapies targeting primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The collaboration focuses on improving treatment options and patient outcomes in rare liver diseases.
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In March 2023, Ipsen Pharma acquired Albireo Pharma, a leading innovator in bile-acid modulators for the treatment of rare liver disorders. This acquisition strengthens Ipsen’s position in the rare disease therapeutics segment and expands its hepatology portfolio.
 
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market has been segmented by Type of Treatment, Distribution Channel and Geography. The structure highlights how therapeutic strategies and channel reach influence patient access, pricing dynamics, and regulatory pathways in PBC care. It also underscores how pipeline shifts, procurement policies, and digital fulfillment trends shape growth outlooks across regions and care settings.
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market, Segmentation by Type of Treatment
The Type of Treatment axis distinguishes between pharmacologic care and surgical intervention, reflecting different risk–benefit profiles, time to response, and health-system resource needs. Drugs remain foundational for disease modification and symptom control, with branded and generic pathways affecting affordability and adherence. Liver Transplantation serves as a life-saving option in advanced cases, constrained by donor availability, costs, and perioperative complexity, yet it meaningfully redirects long-term outcomes where indicated.
Drugs
Drugs constitute the core of PBC management, anchoring treatment algorithms through disease-modifying agents and adjunctive symptomatic care. Market activity is driven by formulation innovation, label expansions, and real-world evidence supporting earlier initiation, combination strategies, and improved tolerability. Partnerships between specialty manufacturers and pharmacies bolster patient support programs, while guideline updates and reimbursement policies influence uptake and persistence across care pathways.
Primary Treatment
Primary Treatment targets cholestasis and disease progression, with established standards informing first-line and add-on choices. Clinical decision-making weighs biochemical response, pruritus profiles, and comorbidity burden to optimize outcomes. Over time, competitive dynamics hinge on clinical differentiation, safety monitoring frameworks, and the breadth of evidence across diverse patient subgroups.
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Obeticholic Acid
Positioned for patients with inadequate response or intolerance to baseline therapy, obeticholic acid emphasizes incremental biochemical improvements and structured liver function monitoring. Market traction aligns with specialist familiarity, patient access programs, and evolving benefit–risk assessments. Ongoing studies and post-marketing data help clarify long-term positioning in combination regimens.
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Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA)
UDCA remains the backbone of initial management, supported by long-standing clinical experience and broad guideline inclusion. Its role in lowering cholestatic markers sustains high formulary presence and generic availability enhances affordability. Differentiation increasingly centers on adherence support, dosing convenience, and integration with add-on agents for partial responders.
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Others
The Others category captures emerging and adjunctive agents under evaluation or in limited use, reflecting a dynamic pipeline targeting novel pathways. Commercial potential depends on comparative effectiveness, safety profiles, and payer willingness to reimburse beyond standard options. Strategic collaborations and registration trial outcomes will shape future adoption curves.
 
Symptomatic Relief Treatment
Symptomatic Relief Treatment addresses burdens such as pruritus and fatigue that materially affect quality of life and therapy persistence. Prescribing patterns vary by response durability, side-effect management, and drug–drug interaction considerations within complex regimens. Growth is supported by patient-reported outcomes integration, real-world data, and expanded education on supportive care best practices.
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Antihistamines
Antihistamines offer accessible first-line options for pruritus, benefiting from wide availability and clinician familiarity. Their role is often as initial symptomatic steps before escalation, with tolerability guiding maintenance use. Uptake correlates with primary care engagement and streamlined pharmacy access.
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Cholestyramine
Cholestyramine is a bile-acid sequestrant frequently selected for moderate to severe pruritus, with outcomes tied to dosing adherence and timing relative to other medications. Market continuity is supported by long use history and cost-effective positioning, though palatability and GI tolerability can limit persistence.
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Antibacterials
In select cases, antibacterials are considered within broader symptomatic strategies based on clinician judgement and comorbidity context. Utilization trends reflect practice variability, safety stewardship, and careful patient selection. Pharmacovigilance and guideline clarity influence sustained use.
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Opioid Antagonists
Opioid antagonists represent an option for refractory pruritus where mechanism-based approaches may provide relief. Adoption depends on specialist oversight, monitoring needs, and reimbursement alignment. Evidence development and consistent care protocols will shape broader acceptance.
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Others
The Others segment includes additional symptomatic modalities and investigational approaches tailored to patient-specific needs. Differentiation arises from tolerability, ease of use, and supportive evidence in real-world cohorts. Education and multidisciplinary care coordination underpin responsible uptake.
 
Liver Transplantation
Liver Transplantation is reserved for advanced PBC with decompensation or treatment-refractory progression, delivering definitive organ replacement. Growth is bounded by donor supply, wait-list dynamics, perioperative risk, and long-term immunosuppression considerations. Outcomes rely on center expertise, integrated post-transplant care, and equitable access policies that vary across health systems.
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market, Segmentation by Distribution Channel
The Distribution Channel axis examines how therapies reach patients and providers, shaping fulfillment speed, patient support, and pricing transparency. Hospital Pharmacies facilitate initiation and complex case management, Retail Pharmacies extend community access and adherence services, and Online Pharmacies enable convenience and broader geographic reach. Channel strategies increasingly blend hub services, data-enabled patient assistance, and coordinated refills to sustain persistence.
Hospital Pharmacies
Hospital Pharmacies support specialist-led initiation, monitoring, and transitions of care, particularly for complex or add-on regimens. They enable formularies, prior-authorization workflows, and pharmacist counseling within tertiary centers. Integration with hepatic clinics and multidisciplinary teams enhances safe titration and rapid response to adverse events.
Retail Pharmacies
Retail Pharmacies broaden accessibility for maintenance therapy, offering counseling, refill synchronization, and adherence programs. Their community presence supports early issue detection and route-to-care continuity between specialists and primary care. Partnerships with manufacturers and payer networks can reduce out-of-pocket variability and improve persistence.
Online Pharmacies
Online Pharmacies leverage home delivery, digital reminders, and virtual support to streamline refills for chronic management. Growth reflects patient preference for convenience, discreet fulfillment, and comparative pricing tools. Robust pharmacovigilance, cold-chain integrity, and identity verification remain central to trust and sustained adoption.
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
North America
North America benefits from high specialist density, broad guideline adoption, and strong payer frameworks that support advanced therapies with structured monitoring. Real-world datasets and value-based care pilots inform optimization of treatment sequences and adherence services. Manufacturer–provider collaborations and patient assistance programs underpin steady uptake across academic and integrated delivery networks.
Europe
Europe features heterogeneous reimbursement and HTA processes that shape market access and speed of adoption across countries. Emphasis on cost-effectiveness, safety surveillance, and shared-care models drives careful sequencing between baseline and add-on agents. Cross-border clinical networks and registry data enhance evidence generation and inform long-term outcomes.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific shows expanding diagnosis rates amid rising specialist training and health-system investments. Access pathways vary, with urban centers accelerating adoption through tertiary hospitals and private insurance, while public systems scale essential medicines first. Local manufacturing, telehealth follow-up, and pharmacy digitization contribute to broader reach and adherence.
Middle East & Africa
Middle East & Africa reflects mixed infrastructure maturity, where leading centers implement guideline-based care and specialty pharmacy support, while broader access depends on national formularies. Investments in hepatology capacity, screening, and cross-border referrals influence therapy initiation. Partnerships and public–private models are pivotal to improve availability and continuity of care.
Latin America
Latin America combines strong reference centers with variable reimbursement and supply chain complexity across markets. Adoption advances where specialist networks coordinate with payers to streamline prior authorization and patient support. Local production, tender procurement, and real-world outcome tracking help sustain access and inform future policy updates.
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market Forces
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Comprehensive Market Impact Matrix
This matrix outlines how core market forces Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities affect key business dimensions including Growth, Competition, Customer Behavior, Regulation and Innovation.
| Market Forces ↓ Impact Areas → | Market Growth Rate | Competitive Landscape | Customer Behavior | Regulatory Influence | Innovation Potential | 
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drivers | High impact (e.g., tech adoption, rising demand) | Encourages new entrants and fosters expansion | Increases usage and enhances demand elasticity | Often aligns with progressive policy trends | Fuels R&D initiatives and product development | 
| Restraints | Slows growth (e.g., high costs, supply chain issues) | Raises entry barriers and may drive market consolidation | Deters consumption due to friction or low awareness | Introduces compliance hurdles and regulatory risks | Limits innovation appetite and risk tolerance | 
| Opportunities | Unlocks new segments or untapped geographies | Creates white space for innovation and M&A | Opens new use cases and shifts consumer preferences | Policy shifts may offer strategic advantages | Sparks disruptive innovation and strategic alliances | 
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers :
- Rising Prevalence of PBC
 - Growing Awareness
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Unmet Medical Needs - The Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market faces several unmet medical needs despite advancements in therapeutic options. One significant challenge is the suboptimal response to current standard-of-care treatments, such as Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA), in a subset of PBC patients. A considerable proportion of patients do not achieve adequate biochemical response with UDCA alone, leading to disease progression and increased risk of complications. Addressing the needs of these non-responders remains a critical area of focus for researchers and healthcare providers.
There is a need for more effective treatments targeting advanced stages of PBC, including patients who have failed UDCA therapy or progressed to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. While Obeticholic Acid (OCA) has shown promise in improving biochemical markers and slowing disease progression in certain patients, additional therapeutic options are needed to provide better outcomes and quality of life for individuals with advanced PBC. Moreover, there is a growing recognition of the importance of addressing extrahepatic manifestations and associated symptoms of PBC, such as pruritus and fatigue, highlighting the need for novel treatment approaches that target both the liver and extrahepatic manifestations of the disease. Addressing these unmet needs will be crucial for advancing the care and management of patients with PBC in the global market.
 
Restraints :
- High Cost of Treatments
 - Limited Treatment Efficacy
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Stringent Regulatory Processes - The Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market is subject to stringent regulatory processes governing the approval and marketing of medications used in PBC management. Regulatory agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Europe, impose rigorous standards to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of PBC treatments before they are made available to patients. These regulatory processes involve comprehensive clinical trials, data submission, and review procedures to evaluate the safety profile and therapeutic benefits of potential treatments.
The regulatory landscape for PBC treatments may vary across different regions, requiring manufacturers to navigate complex regulatory requirements and adhere to specific guidelines for market approval. Compliance with regulatory standards is paramount for pharmaceutical companies seeking to bring new treatments to market and expand their product portfolios. While stringent regulatory processes may pose challenges in terms of time and resources, they play a critical role in safeguarding patient health and maintaining the integrity of the PBC treatment market.
 
Opportunities :
- Development of Novel Therapies
 - Focus on Combination Therapies
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Increased Focus on Early Diagnosis - The Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market is experiencing a significant shift towards increased focus on early diagnosis, driven by several key factors. Firstly, advancements in medical technology and diagnostic techniques have enabled healthcare providers to identify PBC at earlier stages, often before significant liver damage occurs. Early detection allows for prompt initiation of treatment, which can slow disease progression and improve patient outcomes.
As growing awareness among healthcare professionals and the general population about the importance of early detection in managing chronic liver diseases like PBC has spurred efforts to enhance screening and diagnostic practices. Healthcare organizations and advocacy groups are increasingly advocating for routine screening of at-risk populations, such as individuals with family history or certain autoimmune conditions, to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention.
As a result of these efforts, there is a heightened emphasis on incorporating early diagnosis strategies into clinical practice guidelines and healthcare policies, driving the adoption of screening protocols and diagnostic tests for PBC. This shift towards early detection is expected to have a profound impact on the PBC Treatment Market, as it emphasizes the importance of timely intervention and management in improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of liver disease.
 
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market has witnessed remarkable shifts as key players adapt their strategies to address growing demand. Leading companies are focusing on innovation and technological advancements to enhance treatment options. This evolving market has witnessed significant collaboration and partnerships, contributing to the development of new therapies aimed at improving patient outcomes and driving market growth.
Market Structure and Concentration
The Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market is moderately concentrated, with top players holding a significant share. The market structure is influenced by a combination of mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. Such initiatives aim to streamline operations, foster innovation, and accelerate expansion, ensuring competitiveness in the evolving treatment landscape.
Brand and Channel Strategies
Brand differentiation plays a critical role in the PBC Treatment Market, with companies focusing on marketing strategies that emphasize therapeutic efficacy. Channel strategies also focus on optimizing distribution networks, enhancing product availability, and ensuring access to therapies. These strategies are key to securing long-term growth and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements
Innovation remains a driving force in the PBC Treatment Market, with ongoing advancements in drug development and biotechnology. The integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as genomics and artificial intelligence, is reshaping the development pipeline. These advancements are propelling the market toward more personalized treatments, accelerating growth in this therapeutic area.
Regional Momentum and Expansion
The PBC Treatment Market is experiencing substantial growth across multiple regions, with increasing healthcare investments driving regional momentum. Companies are actively pursuing expansion in emerging markets, capitalizing on the demand for improved treatment options. Tailored regional strategies are crucial to meeting diverse patient needs and fostering localized market growth.
Future Outlook
The future outlook for the Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market looks promising, driven by sustained innovation and continued market expansion. Companies are likely to focus on refining their portfolios and strengthening partnerships, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the rapidly evolving market landscape. The role of technology and collaboration will remain central in shaping future success.
Key players in Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market include;
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals
 - Gilead Sciences / CymaBay / Livdelzi
 - Ipsen / Genfit / Iqirvo
 - AbbVie
 - Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
 - Lupin
 - Zydus Lifesciences
 - Alkem Laboratories
 - ABC Farmaceutici
 - Johnson & Johnson
 - Mirum Pharmaceuticals
 - Kaken Pharmaceutical
 - GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
 - Bristol-Myers Squibb
 - Enanta Pharmaceuticals
 
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Market Share Analysis
 - Company Overview and Product Portfolio
 - Key Developments
 - Financial Overview
 - Strategies
 - Company SWOT Analysis
 
- Introduction 
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
 - Research Methodology
 - Abbreviations
 
 - Market Definition & Study Scope
 - Executive Summary 
- Market Snapshot, By Type of Treatment
 - Market Snapshot, By Distribution Channel
 - Market Snapshot, By Region
 
 -  Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market Dynamics 
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities 
- Drivers 
- Rising Prevalence of PBC
 - Growing Awareness
 - Unmet Medical Needs
 
 - Restraints 
- High Cost of Treatments
 - Limited Treatment Efficacy
 - Stringent Regulatory Processes
 
 - Opportunities 
- Development of Novel Therapies
 - Focus on Combination Therapies
 - Increased Focus on Early Diagnosis
 
 
 - Drivers 
 - PEST Analysis 
- Political Analysis
 - Economic Analysis
 - Social Analysis
 - Technological Analysis
 
 - Porter's Analysis 
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
 - Bargaining Power of Buyers
 - Threat of Substitutes
 - Threat of New Entrants
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Competitive Rivalry
 
 
 - Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities 
 - Market Segmentation 
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market, By Type of Treatment, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million) 
- Drugs 
- Primary Treatment 
- Obeticholic Acid
 - Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA)
 - Others
 
 - Symptomatic Relief Treatment 
- Antihistamines
 - Cholestyramine
 - Antibacterials
 - Opioid Antagonists
 - Others
 
 
 - Primary Treatment 
 - Liver Transplantation
 
 - Drugs 
 - Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million) 
- Hospital Pharmacies
 - Retail Pharmacies
 - Online Pharmacies
 
 - Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million) 
- North America 
- United States
 - Canada
 
 - Europe 
- Germany
 - United Kingdom
 - France
 - Italy
 - Spain
 - Nordic
 - Benelux
 - Rest of Europe
 
 - Asia Pacific 
- Japan
 - China
 - India
 - Australia & New Zealand
 - South Korea
 - ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
 - Rest of Asia Pacific
 
 - Middle East & Africa 
- GCC
 - Israel
 - South Africa
 - Rest of Middle East & Africa
 
 - Latin America 
- Brazil
 - Mexico
 - Argentina
 - Rest of Latin America
 
 
 - North America 
 
 - Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market, By Type of Treatment, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million) 
 - Competitive Landscape 
- Company Profiles 
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals
 - Gilead Sciences / CymaBay / Livdelzi
 - Ipsen / Genfit / Iqirvo
 - AbbVie
 - Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
 - Lupin
 - Zydus Lifesciences
 - Alkem Laboratories
 - ABC Farmaceutici
 - Johnson & Johnson
 - Mirum Pharmaceuticals
 - Kaken Pharmaceutical
 - GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
 - Bristol-Myers Squibb
 - Enanta Pharmaceuticals
 
 
 - Company Profiles 
 - Analyst Views
 - Future Outlook of the Market
 

