Research Roundup: October 2026
Research Roundup
October 2026
Welcome to our latest research roundup! From an overwhelming response to our treatment survey to clinical trial news and addressing gaps in our care, here is a roundup of the latest research and advocacy news from across our PSC community.
Survey
Thank you so much to everyone who completed our International PSC Treatment Evidence Survey. Although open for only two weeks, the PSC community rallied together to submit over 1,100 responses. We are grateful to each of you for taking the time to share your experiences. We look forward to sharing the full results with you next month as we continue working together to drive better evidence and care for everyone affected by PSC.
A Vancomycin Clinical Trial!
A major breakthrough is here! Funding has been secured by Professor Palak Trivedi for VITALITY, a landmark trial assessing oral vancomycin for people with PSC-IBD. Designed with our Patient Panel, this study aims to give us the vital (sorry, i had to get that in!) answers we need about the use of vancomycin.
Our Patient Panel is working hard right now, supporting three different research projects this week alone. The PSC patient voice really is instrumental in helping to make sure research is designed well and can secure the necessary funding. Thank you to everyone who has been contributing in this way!
VISTAS Update
Encouraging news from the VISTAS study from Dr Deepak Joshi for PSC itch: 28-week results show volixibat significantly reduced itch in people with PSC as early as two weeks into treatment.
Psychological Wellbeing for Liver Transplant
Navigating a liver transplant involves more than physical health; mental wellbeing is just as important. Our latest update highlights why open conversations with your clinical team matter and introduces a tiered support framework.
This important work strongly aligns with our ongoing project to build the 'ideal' care pathway for people with PSC, from before diagnosis to managing complications as the disease progresses and beyond. PSC is a condition that affects people (physically and mentally) in different ways at different times, and we want a healthcare service that is resourced and able to deliver the care and support we need at the times we need it. We are very grateful to the healthcare professionals and volunteers, led by volunteer Becki Carter, who are giving up their time to develop the care pathway.
Understanding the Biology Behind PSC Progression
Discover how new PSC Support-funded research is uncovering a unique blood 'fingerprint' to assess disease severity and detect cholangiocarcinoma earlier. Read our latest summary to see how these biological markers may help improve monitoring and care for people with PSC.
Understanding Recurrent PSC After Transplant
Living with PSC can bring uncertainty, especially regarding life after a transplant. Recurrent PSC (rPSC) develops when PSC returns in the new liver, affecting roughly a quarter of post-transplant patients. Discover key insights on how rPSC is identified and how doctors distinguish it from other post-transplant complications. Our plain English summary also covers what current research reveals about potential protective factors.
Do drop me an email if you have any questions:
Martine Brown
PSC Support Co-CEO and Head of Research and Policy
ERN RARE-LIVER Management Board