Semaglutide Shows Promising Results in Treating Liver Disease in Major Clinical Trial

A groundbreaking Phase III clinical trial has demonstrated that semaglutide, a medication commonly used for diabetes and weight management, can significantly improve liver health in patients suffering from a severe form of liver disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, involved 800 participants across 37 countries and was conducted at 253 clinical sites worldwide.

The trial focused on individuals with MASH, a progressive liver condition linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. This condition involves fat accumulation in the liver, leading to inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), and potentially progressing to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Notably, MASLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affects around 20% of the UK population, yet there are no approved medications specifically targeting it.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive weekly injections of 2.4 mg of semaglutide or a placebo, along with lifestyle counseling. Over a period of approximately 72 weeks, the results were striking: 62.9% of those treated with semaglutide experienced a reduction in liver inflammation and fat (steatohepatitis), compared to only 34.3% in the placebo group. Additionally, 36.8% of patients on semaglutide showed improved liver fibrosis, versus 22.4% on placebo. Further benefits included reductions in liver enzyme levels and blood markers of liver damage, along with an average weight loss of 10.5%.

The trial’s lead investigator, Professor Philip Newsome from King's College London, expressed optimism about these findings, emphasizing the potential of semaglutide to become an effective treatment option for this unmet medical need. Common adverse events related to the medication involved gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea, but the overall safety profile was acceptable.

This research marks a significant step forward, as it is the first major trial to support the use of semaglutide for liver disease treatment at a regulatory level. Researchers plan to continue studying its long-term impact involving nearly 1,200 participants over five years to assess its effects on liver-related complications.

This advance offers hope for millions worldwide affected by MASH and related liver conditions, providing an innovative approach to managing a disease previously lacking dedicated medicinal therapies.