Ursodeoxycholic acid

Ursodeoxycholic acid (CAS 128-13-2), commonly abbreviated as UDCA, is a secondary bile acid used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient and specialty chemical intermediate. It functions as a bile acid modulator and membrane stabilizer. This compound supports gallstone dissolution and hepatoprotective formulation development across pharmaceutical manufacturing. UDCA is the primary API in oral solid dosage forms, including tablets and capsules.

It is indicated for cholestatic liver conditions and gallstone therapy, making it a high-volume target for pharmaceutical procurement. In drug formulation development, it acts as a bile acid surfactant. This surfactant property helps to improve the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble compounds. Cosmetic formulators incorporate UDCA into premium skincare products for its emulsifying properties.

It is particularly useful in anti-aging and skin-barrier formulations due to its surface-modifying properties. It also serves as a chiral building block in the synthesis of steroid-based pharmaceutical intermediates. Ursodeoxycholic acid is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder. Standard grades include USP, Ph.Eur. (EP), and BP, meeting the purity requirements for finished pharmaceutical manufacturing.

API-grade material is the most commercially prevalent specification for this product. Technical-grade material is also available for various intermediate synthesis applications in the chemical industry.