• Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy/Ozempic, significantly reduced liver inflammation and scarring in patients with MASH, according to a clinical trial.
• The study involved 800 participants across 37 countries, with about two-thirds experiencing reduced liver inflammation and one-third showing improved liver scarring.
• Experts believe semaglutide could become a valuable new treatment option for MASH, addressing both liver fibrosis and underlying metabolic parameters.

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has revealed that semaglutide, the active ingredient in the weight loss drug Wegovy and diabetes medication Ozempic, shows promise in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe form of fatty liver disease. The trial, conducted across 37 countries, found that semaglutide reduced liver inflammation and scarring in participants, regardless of whether they had diabetes. These findings suggest that semaglutide could offer a new therapeutic avenue for MASH, which affects millions of adults and can lead to serious liver complications.

• What: A clinical trial investigated semaglutide's effectiveness in treating MASH, a severe form of fatty liver disease characterized by fat buildup, inflammation, and scarring. The study found that semaglutide reduced liver inflammation and scarring compared to a placebo.
• Who: The study involved 800 adult participants across 37 countries, some with type 2 diabetes and the majority with obesity. Researchers from the U.S., U.K., Denmark, France, Italy, and Germany conducted the study. Key individuals mentioned include Dr. Arun Sanyal, Professor Philip Newsome, and Dr. Vandana Khungar.
• When: The study was conducted between 2021 and 2023. Participants received weekly injections of semaglutide or a placebo over 72 weeks.
• Where: The clinical trial took place across 37 countries. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The study suggests that semaglutide could be a valuable treatment option for MASH, a condition closely linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. The reduction in liver inflammation and scarring observed in the trial participants is significant, as MASH can lead to severe liver damage, liver failure, and even the need for a liver transplant. The fact that benefits were seen in both people with and without diabetes is also notable. However, it's important to treat the results with caution and to acknowledge the observed adverse effects such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. Further research is planned to assess the long-term impact of semaglutide on liver complications.

"This is a major step forward in the field. It provides patients with additional choices when we think about treating fatty liver disease."

"I've been working with GLP-1 treatments for 16 years and these results are hugely exciting."

"We are encouraged by these published findings in the NEJM and what this could mean for patients. Based on these data, we look forward to working with regulatory authorities to bring this potential new treatment option to patients."

"We knew from studies of lifestyle interventions that as little as five to 10% weight loss was associated with substantial improvements in liver fat and MASH"

The clinical trial results indicate that semaglutide holds significant promise in treating MASH by reducing liver inflammation and scarring. With MASH becoming an increasing health burden, new treatment options are crucial. While the findings are encouraging and suggest a potential new therapeutic avenue, further research is needed to assess the long-term effects and safety of semaglutide for MASH patients. Regulatory authorities will likely review the data to consider semaglutide as a treatment for this condition.