New Clinical Trial Shows Semaglutide Effective in Treating Fatty Liver Disease

A recent clinical trial has revealed promising results for semaglutide, a drug traditionally used to treat conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, in addressing fatty liver disease, specifically a severe form known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASH). According to Dr. Arun Sanyal, director of the VCU Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, the findings represent a significant advancement in treatment options. The trial, conducted over a span of 72 weeks with 800 participants from 37 countries, demonstrated that patients receiving weekly doses of semaglutide experienced improvement in liver health, with over half showing reductions in inflammation and fat accumulation in the liver. Notably, 62.9% of the semaglutide group showed these improvements, compared to 34.3% in the placebo group. Furthermore, 36.8% of participants receiving semaglutide saw enhancements in liver fibrosis, a stark contrast to the 22.4% improvement noted in the placebo cohort. The results highlight semaglutide's potential not only in managing weight but also in treating metabolic and liver health issues. However, the study also noted side effects such as nausea and diarrhea in those treated with the drug. This research could pave the way for more comprehensive treatment strategies, especially given the limited options currently available for MASH. The increasing prevalence of fatty liver disease, tied to rising obesity rates, underscores the importance of these developments. Looking ahead, researchers plan to expand the study to include nearly 1,200 participants over a five-year period to further assess the long-term benefits and risks of semaglutide for liver health.