The Friends of the PBC Foundation, NFP, celebrated a landmark achievement over the weekend by hosting their first U.S.-based PBC Patient Conference. The inaugural event marked a significant step forward in raising awareness and fostering community among the thousands affected by Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), a rare autoimmune liver disease that impacts over 130,000 Americans.
The conference, held from September 19–21, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, brought together patients, families, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders from across the nation to share knowledge, build connections, and advocate for better support and treatment options. The event featured keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and panel discussions focused on clinical updates, patient care, and advocacy efforts.
The Chicago conference culminated during PBC Awareness Month, a global campaign that emphasizes the theme: “You Are Not Alone.” The month-long initiative aims to educate the public, policymakers, and healthcare providers about the importance of early diagnosis and proper management of PBC, a progressive liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis and, ultimately, liver failure if left untreated.
“This month, we honor the courage of people living with PBC and call on communities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to take decisive action,” said L. Marie Asad, Founding Board Member and President of the Friends of the PBC Foundation. “Connection changes everything. Our goal is to ensure no one faces PBC alone, and this conference is a vital step toward that.”
The event was made possible through the generous support of key sponsors, including the American Liver Foundation, GSK, Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Rare Patient Voice, Gilead Sciences, IPSEN, and the PBC Foundation.
Their support helped facilitate impactful sessions and fostered a sense of hope and solidarity within the community.
In addition to the Chicago conference, the global PBC Foundation hosted its annual Patient Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, from September 13–14, featuring the latest clinical updates and practical advice for patients and healthcare providers worldwide.
Throughout September, the Friends of the PBC Foundation has been sharing educational resources and hosting virtual discussions to foster awareness and support for those affected by PBC across the United States.
Robert Mitchell-Thain, CEO of the PBC Foundation in the UK, emphasized the importance of collective action: “PBC Awareness Month is not just about recognition—it’s about action. Support saves lives. Our message, ‘You Are Not Alone,’ is a call to bring patients, families, and allies together to learn, support, and advocate. Together, we are stronger.”
For more information on PBC visit www.pbcfoundation.org and follow @FriendsOfThePBCFoundation on social media.
Felica Apprey is The Times Weekly community at large contributor.
