A Study for Evaluation of BIV201 to Reduce Ascites and Complications in Patients With Cirrhosis and Refractory Ascites

Terlipressin has been shown to reduce portal hypertension, improve renal function and induce natriuresis in cirrhotic patients with ascites without hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). It is approved in Europe for the treatment of bleeding esophageal varices and HRS type 1 and is usually administered as an IV bolus starting at 1 mg every 6 h and increased to 2 mg every 6 h (maximum 8 mg/day depending on response). This study will evaluate the use of terlipressin delivered by continuous infusion for two 28 day treatment cycles for reduction of ascites accumulation and complications in adult patients with refractory ascites secondary to decompensated cirrhosis. Continuous infusion allows for a significant reduction in the daily effective dose required for treatment and improved safety of terlipressin delivered as a low-dose continuous infusion could enable its use in the outpatient setting in the prolonged treatment of patients with refractory ascites.