CDCA · Chenix, Ctexli

What is CDCA?

CDCA (chenodeoxycholic acid) is an endogenous primary bile acid that replaces deficient levels in cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis caused by sterol 27-hydroxylase deficiency. It restores farnesoid X receptor activation and suppresses atypical bile acid synthesis, reducing cholestanol and pentol accumulation.

Summary written with AI from the sources listed at the end of this page.

At a glance

Also known as

Chenix, Ctexli, NSC-657949, NSC-757798

Drug type

Small molecule

Targets

farnesoid X receptor (NR1H4) (secondary target), CYP7A1 (secondary target)

Mechanism

Activator of farnesoid X receptor (NR1H4)

Pathways

bile acid synthesis, enterohepatic circulation

Therapy area

Metabolic

Developer

Leadiant Biosci Inc

In trials of

MIRM

FDA status

Approved as Chenix, Ctexli (July 28, 1983), NDA018513 · FDA label

UNII

0GEI24LG0J

✅ FDA-approved uses

• Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) (Ctexli)

From the indications section of the FDA label (version of Dec 16, 2025). Read the full label for the exact wording, limitations and safety information.

🧪 Clinical trials

Trials of the companies BioRadar tracks, from ClinicalTrials.gov, most advanced phase first.

Conditions studied

CTX

Other drugs acting on NR1H4

Sources

• FDA label (DailyMed)
• FDA label Ctexli (2025-12-16), indications
• ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04270682
• ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04270682
• ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04270682
• ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04270682

Updated Oct 3, 2026.