Synergistic Drug Combination Offers New Hope for Treating Liver and Cardiovascular Diseases

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as fatty liver disease, is the most prevalent liver disorder worldwide, affecting approximately one-third of adults. Characterized by fat buildup in liver cells, MASLD can lead to severe liver complications and is closely linked to increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.

Recent research from the University of Barcelona, published in the journal Pharmacological Research, suggests that a combination of two already approved medications—pemafibrate and telmisartan—may effectively mitigate fat accumulation in the liver and reduce related cardiovascular risks. Tests conducted on laboratory animals demonstrated that these drugs, when used together, could reverse fatty deposits in the liver, offering a promising therapeutic approach.

Pemafibrate, a lipid-lowering agent, and telmisartan, an antihypertensive drug, are both marketed for cardiovascular risk management. The study indicates that their combined use not only lessens liver fat but may also address the associated high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thereby lowering overall cardiovascular risk.

The research team led by Professor Marta Alegret applied the drugs to rat models and zebrafish larvae, an increasingly popular model for studying MASLD due to its physiological similarities to mammals and lower costs. Remarkably, the combined treatment was as effective at half the dosage of each drug, suggesting potential for lower side effects.

A key finding was the role of the PCK1 protein in telmisartan’s mechanism. Treatment restored PCK1 levels in the liver, shifting metabolism from fat synthesis toward glucose production. This shift did not result in increased blood sugar levels, alleviating concerns about potential diabetes development.

While these findings are promising, the researchers emphasize that clinical trials are necessary to determine if these benefits can be replicated in humans. Future studies will explore the drugs' effects in more advanced disease stages, such as fibrosis, and their impact on atherosclerosis. The study highlights drug repurposing as a viable, cost-effective strategy for developing new treatments for MASLD, especially in early, asymptomatic phases where intervention can prevent disease progression.

Overall, this research opens new avenues for safer, multi-targeted therapies that could simultaneously combat liver fat accumulation and cardiovascular complications, improving patient outcomes worldwide.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-combination-drugs-cardiovascular-common-liver.html