Bile acid derivatives as FXR ligands for the prevention or treatment of FXR-mediated diseases or conditions

1. A compound of formula (I)

wherein:

R 1 is hydrogen or an alkyl group;

R 2 is hydrogen or a halogen, nitro, alkyloxy, amino or carboxy group;

Y is CH 2 , oxygen or sulfur; and

n is an integer from 1 to 4, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

2. The compound of claim 1 , wherein R 1 and R 2 are hydrogen, Y is oxygen, and n is 1.

3. A pharmaceutical composition containing a compound of claim 1 in admixture with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or diluents.

4. A compound of formula (Ia)

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

5. The pharmaceutical composition containing a compound of claim 4 in admixture with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or diluents.