Chenodiol 250mg Suppliers & Bulk Manufacturers

Available Forms: Tablets, Capsules

Available Strengths: 250mg

Reference Brands: Chenodal (USA), Chenofalk (EU)

Category: Gastrointestinal Drugs

Chenodiol is a naturally occurring bile acid used to dissolve cholesterol gallstones in patients who are not suitable for surgery. It works by reducing cholesterol production and cholesterol content in bile, allowing gradual gallstone dissolution. It’s also sometimes used in rare bile acid synthesis disorders.

Product Description:

Chenodiol is chenodeoxycholic acid, one of the two primary bile acids made by the liver. Taken orally it suppresses hepatic cholesterol synthesis and reduces cholesterol secretion into bile, which can slowly dissolve cholesterol gallstones. It also feeds back on bile acid synthesis — and that effect now defines its most important use.

In cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, a rare inherited defect of bile acid synthesis, the body overproduces abnormal cholestanol that deposits in the brain and tendons, causing progressive neurological damage. Chenodiol replaces the missing bile acid and switches off the abnormal pathway; started early, it can halt progression. It is authorised for this in the EU and, since 2025, in the US. For gallstones it has largely been replaced by ursodeoxycholic acid, which is better tolerated: chenodiol causes dose-related diarrhoea and raised aminotransferases, so liver tests are monitored.

Sourcing notes. An old molecule with a complicated commercial history. Once cheap, it was re-registered as an orphan product for cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis at a very large price increase, and that pricing has been challenged by competition authorities. Orphan exclusivity may apply in the destination market, so confirm the position before quoting. The active substance is derived from animal bile or produced semi-synthetically, and the source affects the impurity profile and documentation.