An open-label randomised-controlled trial of azathioprine vs. mycophenolate mofetil for the induction of remission in treatment-naive autoimmune hepatitis

•Limited efficacy and tolerability of standard prednisolone and azathioprine combination therapy in autoimmune hepatitis.•Mycophenolate mofetil combined with prednisolone is effective as first-line therapy for achieving biochemical remission.•Mycophenolate mofetil has a more favourable tolerability profile than azathioprine.