A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that medications commonly used to treat diabetes and obesity could offer significant benefits for patients with liver disease, expanding their potential uses.
The study focused on semaglutide, sold under brand names such as Wegovy and Ozempic. It found that the drug effectively treats metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a fatty liver disease linked to obesity and diabetes. The research tracked nearly 800 patients for up to 72 weeks, revealing notable improvements in liver health for those receiving semaglutide.
Dr. Celine Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor, explained that nearly two-thirds of participants experienced a reduction in liver inflammation, and over a third showed a decrease in liver scarring. MASH can lead to serious complications like cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer, she added. “The life-threatening consequences are very real,” Gounder said.
Dr. Zobair M. Younossi of the Center for Outcomes Research in Liver Diseases highlighted that an estimated 17 million Americans are affected by MASH, with one in five adults showing fat buildup in the liver.
“This treatment could help prevent these long-term, serious outcomes,” Younossi said.
Semaglutide’s known side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and weight loss, were observed during the study.
Despite promising results, Gounder emphasized the need for longer-term research. “Seventy-two weeks isn’t a long period,” she noted.
In 2024, the FDA approved Rezdiffra (resmetirom), the first medication specifically approved for treating MASH.
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