Recent research indicates that medications designed for diabetes and weight management may halt or even reverse serious liver conditions.
A study led by Virginia Commonwealth University has highlighted that semaglutide, often marketed as Ozempic or Wegovy, can be effective against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and its related risk factors.
MASH is characterized by inflammation and scarring due to fat buildup in the liver, impacting around 20% of U.S. adults, particularly those with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic.
The research involved weekly injections of either semaglutide or a placebo to 800 participants across 37 countries from 2021 to 2023.
A significant portion of participants—over half—had Type 2 diabetes, and 75% were classified as obese.
After nearly 17 months of treatment, 62.9% of those receiving semaglutide showed reductions in liver inflammation and fat, in contrast to 34% of placebo participants reporting similar benefits.
Furthermore, liver scarring decreased in 37% of the semaglutide group, compared to 23% in the placebo group.
Participants who received semaglutide also experienced an average weight loss of 10.5%, alongside better liver enzyme levels and measurements of liver fibrosis.
The study’s lead author, Arun Sanyal, pointed out that these findings could represent “a promising new approach for millions of patients.”
“If approved, this could add more options for treating MASH and fibrosis,” Sanyal mentioned, noting the significant connections between MASH and other serious health issues. Given semaglutide’s known health benefits, this research is particularly relevant.
Moving forward, Sanyal’s team plans to expand the study to include 1,200 participants and monitor them for up to five years to explore long-term liver effects.
