In a significant advancement in medical research, Wegovy (semaglutide) has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in the management of severe liver diseases, particularly metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which was previously referred to as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
The clinical trial involved close to 1,200 participants and revealed that nearly two-thirds of those treated with Wegovy saw a resolution of liver inflammation, specifically steatohepatitis, without any exacerbation of fibrosis. This success rate was nearly double compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, 37% of individuals receiving Wegovy experienced a decrease in liver fibrosis without a worsening of MASLD symptoms, in contrast to 22% in the placebo cohort.
Dr. Sun Kim, an associate professor of Endocrinology at Stanford Medicine, highlighted the significance of these results, particularly for patients with diabetes, who are at an elevated risk for MASLD and its serious complications, including liver cancer and premature mortality.
The study also shed light on the complexities involved in treating MASLD, as inflammation and fibrosis are separate processes that may not necessarily improve concurrently with treatment. Despite the challenges, Wegovy showed a favorable safety profile, allowing participants to sustain their target dosage throughout the study.
Interestingly, Wegovy also provided additional benefits, such as substantial weight loss and enhancements in related health issues like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors. Participants noted modest improvements in cardiovascular health, including reduced blood pressure, lower triglyceride levels, and improved cholesterol profiles, along with better hemoglobin A1C levels for regulating long-term blood sugar.
Overall, the findings from this trial indicate that semaglutide, branded as Wegovy, presents a holistic approach to addressing liver disease alongside related cardiometabolic disorders. Dr. Beverly Tchang, an endocrinologist and assistant professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, referred to semaglutide as a multifaceted tool for managing obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and now MASLD. This pioneering research heralds a new chapter in the treatment of liver disease.
