<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The widely used diabetes medication semaglutide may offer a breakthrough in the treatment of advanced fatty liver disease, according to a new global study led by researchers from King&rsquo;s College London.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The study focused on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe and progressive form of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition, closely linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular issues, is marked by excess fat in the liver that can lead to inflammation and scarring.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">In a clinical trial spanning 37 countries, nearly 800 participants were randomly assigned to receive either a weekly 2.4 mg injection of semaglutide or a placebo, along with lifestyle counselling. The study&rsquo;s findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that semaglutide significantly reduced liver inflammation and fat buildup compared to the placebo.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Moreover, a greater number of patients receiving semaglutide also showed signs of improvement in liver fibrosis, suggesting the drug&rsquo;s potential to not only halt but reverse liver damage. Researchers also observed overall health improvements, including enhanced liver function and significant weight loss among those on the drug.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">&ldquo;This trial offers real hope for patients with MASH, a growing global health concern,&rdquo; said Professor Philip Newsome from King&rsquo;s College London. &ldquo;While more research is needed, our analysis shows that semaglutide could become a powerful tool in treating this serious liver disease.&rdquo;</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">However, the study also noted an increase in gastrointestinal side effects in the semaglutide group, such as nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, and vomiting.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">With fatty liver disease becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, the findings could pave the way for new treatment strategies that go beyond managing symptoms to actually reversing the condition.</span></div>

Research points to semaglutide as a powerful tool in combating fatty liver disease

Diabetes Drug Semaglutide Shows Promise in Reversing Fatty Liver Disease: Study

Research points to semaglutide as a powerful tool in combating fatty liver disease

May 1, 2025 | 16:33 IST