Repurposing Diabetes Medication Shows Promise for Liver Disease Patients

A recent clinical trial conducted in China has revealed that dapagliflozin, a medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes, may also offer significant benefits for patients suffering from progressive liver conditions, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). MASH is characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver, accompanied by inflammation, and can lead to fibrosis and, in severe cases, cirrhosis. This condition affects over 5% of the adult population and is particularly prevalent among individuals with obesity and diabetes.

The study involved 154 adults diagnosed with MASH through liver biopsy across six medical centers. Participants were, on average, 35 years old, predominantly male, with nearly half diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and all exhibiting varying degrees of liver fibrosis. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 10 mg of dapagliflozin daily or a placebo for a duration of 48 weeks, with regular assessments of metabolic and liver health parameters.

Results demonstrated that dapagliflozin significantly improved liver health, with over half of the participants showing improvement in MASH activity scores without worsening fibrosis. Specifically, 53% of those on dapagliflozin experienced a reduction in liver disease activity, compared to 30% in the placebo group. Additionally, the medication facilitated the resolution of steatohepatitis in 23% of treated participants versus 8% receiving placebo, and also contributed to fibrosis reduction.

Importantly, the treatment was well-tolerated, with a low discontinuation rate due to side effects (1%), indicating that dapagliflozin is a promising candidate for managing liver inflammation and scarring. While these findings are encouraging, the researchers emphasized that the study was limited to a Chinese population and that further research, including diverse and larger cohorts, is essential to confirm these benefits.

Experts believe that these developments mark a significant step toward targeted pharmacotherapy for liver diseases like MASH. As more treatments become available, personalized approaches considering cardiovascular health, safety, and accessibility will likely become standard. Overall, dapagliflozin’s dual benefits for metabolic and liver health could offer a new avenue for managing complex liver conditions in the future.