08:28 AM EDT, 05/06/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Bausch Health Companies ( BHC ) , a global, diversified pharmaceutical company, and its gastroenterology (GI) business, Salix Pharmaceuticals, announced Tuesday new data showing that people hospitalized due to overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) had a reduced risk of OHE-related rehospitalization within 30 days if treated with Xifaxan (rifaximin) following hospital discharge regardless of prior treatment.

A statement noted these findings, based on a claims-based analysis, will be presented today at Digestive Disease Week 2025 in San Diego, CA.

"This analysis reinforces the use of Xifaxan to help prevent OHE rehospitalizations," said Arun Jesudian, MD, Director of Inpatient Liver Services at NYPH/Weill Cornell. "Cases of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis are growing, and these conditions can be debilitating for patients and their families. Providing patients with optimal, guideline-based treatment regimens is imperative because preventing recurrence and rehospitalizations not only benefits patients but also helps reduce burden on the broader healthcare system."

BHC was at last look up 3.45% in US premarket trade, after falling 9% on the NYSE, and near 9% on the TSX, yesterday.