Edinburgh woman's 'menopause symptoms' turned out to be chronic liver disease
Jo McCardle, 52, said she went through a 'really dark time' after she was told she had Primary Biliary Cholangitis - a liver disease that can get progressively worse over time.
She first noticed symptoms back in 2022 including fatigue and brain fog. She also wasn't articulate and stopped paying attention to detail.
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Speaking to Edinburgh Live, the Global Medical Affairs Manager said she put her feelings down to menopause before a blood test determined her diagnosis.
She is now on lifetime medication but said she will not let the disease 'define her'.
Jo added: "It has been such a journey for me. At the time, I had an incident at work and I had to go to A&£.
"I had my bloods taken and they said there was something wrong with my blood results and I was referred to my GP. They phoned me after and said I had something serious going on but I didn't know what it was.
"I was referred to a liver specialist and it was a really dark time for me. I didn't want to tell family everything that was going on. I did look up a lot of things but I didn't know what was happening - I just knew it was going to be a bad outcome.
"Around three or four months later, I got the liver test to check the condition. I was relieved I wasn't dying but I did feel really ashamed at first. I remember feeling tired a lot, I had a lot of brain fog and I was forgetting things.
"I didn't fell well at all and realised I wasn't paying attention to detail anymore. I just thought it was menopause I was going through."
Jo was able to catch the disease at a good stage and is thankful her liver was in a treatable condition.
She continued: "Luckily, although I have the condition it was picked up at a good stage and if it hadn't been, it could have been really damaged. It was pure luck I got the blood test done at work to pick it up.
"This is just my normal now and I don't want to be defined by this - I want to live my life. It has really been a journey for me but it's made me appreciate everything a lot more.
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"Having the disease doesn't mean your life is over - I still have a very functioning job role and there is hope after the diagnosis of a long term condition.
PBC is a lifelong condition associated with severe fatigue and persistent, debilitating itch – but can worsen over time and cause liver failure..
New medication Iqirvo has recently been approved which could help those impacted across Scotland. Around 1,900 people and 9 in 10 people living with PBC are woman, with most menopausal age around 40-60 years.
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Hamilton Spectator
31-07-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Ipsen delivers strong results in the first half of 2025 and upgrades its full-year guidance
PARIS, FRANCE, 31 July 2025 - Ipsen (Euronext: IPN; ADR: IPSEY), a global specialty-care biopharmaceutical company, today presents its financial results for the first half of 2025. 'Our half year results reflect continued strong momentum, with growth across all three therapeutic areas, particularly in our rare liver disease franchise, which is expanding rapidly and progressing well,' said David Loew, Chief Executive Officer, Ipsen. 'Building on that performance, I am pleased to increase our full year guidance in terms of sales and profitability.' 'I'm also delighted to report robust progression in our pipeline and portfolio, including the recent European Commission approval of Cabometyx® in advanced neuroendocrine tumors, an area where Ipsen has a strong legacy. In the second half of the year, we are anticipating the readout of our pivotal study of fidrisertib in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva and the proof-of-concept trial of our long-acting neurotoxin in aesthetics. Our focused strategy, our culture of excellence in execution and our commitment to science with purpose position us to provide a positive impact for patients and society.' Full-year 2025 guidance Based on the strong performance in the first half, Ipsen upgrades its financial guidance for 2025: Guidance includes a negative impact on Somatuline sales due to a potential increased generic competition in the U.S. and Europe. It excludes any impact from potential late-stage (Phase III clinical development or later) business development transactions. Pipeline update since Q1 2025 In May 2025, Ipsen presented data on Iqirvo® (elafibranor) from the Phase II ELMWOOD study at the European Association for the Study of the Liver congress. It showed a favorable safety profile and demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy over 12 weeks for people living with PSC5, a rare liver disease with no approved treatment options. In June 2025, Ipsen initiated a Phase II study of LANT (IPN10200), in cervical dystonia. This marked the fourth study in the global long-acting neurotoxin development plan in therapeutics and aesthetics indications. On 23 July 2025, Ipsen received European Commission approval for Cabometyx® (cabozantinib) in previously treated advanced neuroendocrine tumors. This approval was based on positive outcomes from the Phase III CABINET trial. Consolidated financial statements The Board of Directors approved the condensed consolidated financial statements on 30 July 2025. The Company's auditors performed a limited review of the H1 2025 condensed consolidated financial statements. The interim financial report, with regards to the regulated information, will be available on in due course, under the Reports and Accounts tab in the Investor Relations section. Conference call A conference call and webcast for investors and analysts will begin today at 1pm CET. Participants can access the call and its details by registering here ; webcast details can be found here . Calendar Ipsen intends to publish its year-to-date and third-quarter sales update on 22 October 2025. Notes All financial figures are in € millions (€m). The performance shown in this announcement covers the six-month period to 30 June 2025 (H1 2025) and the three-month period to 30 June 2025 (Q2 2025), compared to the six-month period to 30 June 2024 (H1 2024) and the three-month period to 30 June 2024 (H1 2024), respectively, unless stated otherwise. Commentary is based on the performance in H1 2025, unless stated otherwise. ABOUT IPSEN We are a global biopharmaceutical company with a focus on bringing transformative medicines to patients in three therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Disease and Neuroscience. Our pipeline is fueled by external innovation and supported by nearly 100 years of development experience and global hubs in the U.S., France and the U.K. Our teams in more than 40 countries and our partnerships around the world enable us to bring medicines to patients in more than 80 countries. Ipsen is listed in Paris (Euronext: IPN) and in the U.S. through a Sponsored Level I American Depositary Receipt program (ADR: IPSEY). For more information, visit . IPSEN CONTACTS Investors Khalid Deojee +33 6 66 01 95 26 Media Sally Bain +1 857 32 00 517 Anne Liontas +33 7 67 34 72 96 1 At constant exchange rates (CER), which exclude any foreign-exchange impact by recalculating the performance for the relevant period by applying the exchange rates used for the prior period. 2 Excluding any impact from potential late-stage (Phase III clinical development or later) external-innovation transactions. 3 Long-acting neurotoxin. 4 Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. 5 Primary sclerosing cholangitis Attachment
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Yahoo
GSK's Linerixibat Poised to Address Substantial Unmet Need for the Treatment of Pruritus Associated with Primary Biliary Cholangitis, According to Spherix Global Insights
Despite new market entrants in the form of Gilead's Livdelzi and Ipsen's Iqirvo, US gastroenterologists report nearly half of PBC patients suffer from moderate to severe pruritus, underscoring an existing unmet need. EXTON, PA, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The treatment landscape for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) has undergone a marked transformation over the past year, driven by the recent approvals of Gilead's Livdelzi (seladelpar) and Ipsen's Iqirvo (elafibranor). These additions to the therapeutic arsenal represent meaningful progress in disease management. However, new data from Spherix Global Insights' Market Dynamix™: Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis 2025 (US) reveal that pruritus—a persistent and often debilitating symptom—continues to pose a significant unmet need for many patients living with PBC. Among the 104 US gastroenterologists surveyed in the study, there was near-universal agreement on the importance of addressing pruritus—one of the most burdensome and distressing symptoms associated with PBC. Respondents estimated that approximately half of their PBC patients suffer from moderate to severe pruritus, a manifestation that significantly impacts quality of life and remains challenging to manage. As one specialist poignantly noted, 'Patients with cholestatic liver disease will go to the world's end to escape from pruritus and the insomnia it causes.' Most gastroenterologists surveyed also acknowledged a substantial unmet need for therapies specifically targeting PBC-associated pruritus. While Livdelzi has demonstrated a significant reduction in itch symptoms after six months of treatment, only about half of respondents reported that their patients on Livdelzi required no additional intervention for pruritus. The need for effective symptom control is even more pronounced among patients receiving Iqirvo, further highlighting the gap in adequate pruritus management and the continued demand for novel therapeutic approaches. In June, GSK announced that the FDA had accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) for its ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibitor, linerixibat, for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus in patients with PBC. The PDUFA target action date is set for March 24, 2026. Awareness of the IBAT class is already high among gastroenterologists, and most report they are likely to incorporate linerixibat into their treatment armamentarium if approved. As one specialist expressed, 'The results seem promising with a significant symptom reduction among moderate to severe pruritus. However, abdominal pain and diarrhea side effects are somewhat concerning and may limit real-world use.' Another echoed the sentiment, noting, 'It significantly improved symptoms of pruritus along with quality of life, which can be a challenging and quite debilitating symptom to treat.' If approved, linerixibat could represent a meaningful advancement for patients struggling with PBC-related pruritus—a symptom that continues to profoundly impair quality of life and remains inadequately addressed by current therapies. Spherix Global Insights will continue to closely track emerging developments across the PBC treatment landscape and pipeline through its Market Dynamix™: Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis service. Market Dynamix™ is an independent service providing analysis of markets anticipated to experience a paradigm shift within the next three to five years. Insights highlight market size, current treatment approaches, unmet needs, and expert opinions on the likely disruption introduced by pipeline agents. About Spherix Global Insights Spherix is a leading independent market intelligence and advisory firm that delivers commercial value to the global life sciences industry, across the brand lifecycle. The seasoned team of Spherix experts provides an unbiased and holistic view of the landscape within rapidly evolving specialty markets, including dermatology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, nephrology, neurology, ophthalmology, and hematology. Spherix clients stay ahead of the curve with the perspective of the extensive Spherix Physician Community. As a trusted advisor and industry thought leader, Spherix's unparalleled market insights and advisory services empower clients to make better decisions and unlock opportunities for growth. To learn more about Spherix Global Insights, visit or connect through LinkedIn. For more details on Spherix's primary market research reports and interactive dashboard offerings, visit or register here: NOTICE: All company, brand or product names in this press release are trademarks of their respective holders. The findings and analysis addressed within are based on Spherix Global Insight's analysis and do not imply a relationship with or endorsement of the companies or brands mentioned in this press release. CONTACT: Jim Hickey, Gastroenterology Franchise Head Spherix Global Insights 4848794284 in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Yahoo
GSK's Linerixibat Poised to Address Substantial Unmet Need for the Treatment of Pruritus Associated with Primary Biliary Cholangitis, According to Spherix Global Insights
Despite new market entrants in the form of Gilead's Livdelzi and Ipsen's Iqirvo, US gastroenterologists report nearly half of PBC patients suffer from moderate to severe pruritus, underscoring an existing unmet need. EXTON, PA, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The treatment landscape for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) has undergone a marked transformation over the past year, driven by the recent approvals of Gilead's Livdelzi (seladelpar) and Ipsen's Iqirvo (elafibranor). These additions to the therapeutic arsenal represent meaningful progress in disease management. However, new data from Spherix Global Insights' Market Dynamix™: Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis 2025 (US) reveal that pruritus—a persistent and often debilitating symptom—continues to pose a significant unmet need for many patients living with PBC. Among the 104 US gastroenterologists surveyed in the study, there was near-universal agreement on the importance of addressing pruritus—one of the most burdensome and distressing symptoms associated with PBC. Respondents estimated that approximately half of their PBC patients suffer from moderate to severe pruritus, a manifestation that significantly impacts quality of life and remains challenging to manage. As one specialist poignantly noted, 'Patients with cholestatic liver disease will go to the world's end to escape from pruritus and the insomnia it causes.' Most gastroenterologists surveyed also acknowledged a substantial unmet need for therapies specifically targeting PBC-associated pruritus. While Livdelzi has demonstrated a significant reduction in itch symptoms after six months of treatment, only about half of respondents reported that their patients on Livdelzi required no additional intervention for pruritus. The need for effective symptom control is even more pronounced among patients receiving Iqirvo, further highlighting the gap in adequate pruritus management and the continued demand for novel therapeutic approaches. In June, GSK announced that the FDA had accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) for its ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibitor, linerixibat, for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus in patients with PBC. The PDUFA target action date is set for March 24, 2026. Awareness of the IBAT class is already high among gastroenterologists, and most report they are likely to incorporate linerixibat into their treatment armamentarium if approved. As one specialist expressed, 'The results seem promising with a significant symptom reduction among moderate to severe pruritus. However, abdominal pain and diarrhea side effects are somewhat concerning and may limit real-world use.' Another echoed the sentiment, noting, 'It significantly improved symptoms of pruritus along with quality of life, which can be a challenging and quite debilitating symptom to treat.' If approved, linerixibat could represent a meaningful advancement for patients struggling with PBC-related pruritus—a symptom that continues to profoundly impair quality of life and remains inadequately addressed by current therapies. Spherix Global Insights will continue to closely track emerging developments across the PBC treatment landscape and pipeline through its Market Dynamix™: Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis service. Market Dynamix™ is an independent service providing analysis of markets anticipated to experience a paradigm shift within the next three to five years. Insights highlight market size, current treatment approaches, unmet needs, and expert opinions on the likely disruption introduced by pipeline agents. About Spherix Global Insights Spherix is a leading independent market intelligence and advisory firm that delivers commercial value to the global life sciences industry, across the brand lifecycle. The seasoned team of Spherix experts provides an unbiased and holistic view of the landscape within rapidly evolving specialty markets, including dermatology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, nephrology, neurology, ophthalmology, and hematology. Spherix clients stay ahead of the curve with the perspective of the extensive Spherix Physician Community. As a trusted advisor and industry thought leader, Spherix's unparalleled market insights and advisory services empower clients to make better decisions and unlock opportunities for growth. To learn more about Spherix Global Insights, visit or connect through LinkedIn. For more details on Spherix's primary market research reports and interactive dashboard offerings, visit or register here: NOTICE: All company, brand or product names in this press release are trademarks of their respective holders. The findings and analysis addressed within are based on Spherix Global Insight's analysis and do not imply a relationship with or endorsement of the companies or brands mentioned in this press release. CONTACT: Jim Hickey, Gastroenterology Franchise Head Spherix Global Insights 4848794284 in to access your portfolio
