New research highlights Ozempic’s potential to improve outcomes for patients with MASH, a dangerous liver disease linked to obesity and diabetes.
What the Study Found
Ozempic, a popular drug used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, may also help treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe form of liver disease. A new study published in April in *The New England Journal of Medicine* found promising results after testing semaglutide, the main ingredient in Ozempic, on nearly 800 patients.
MASH is caused by fat buildup in the liver and is not related to alcohol. It’s often linked to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The disease can cause liver scarring, cancer, and even liver failure.
How the Trial Was Conducted
The study followed patients for 72 weeks. Participants received either a weekly injection of semaglutide or a placebo. Of those who received semaglutide, about two-thirds showed a clear improvement in liver fat and scarring. In contrast, fewer improvements were seen in the placebo group.
Researchers used liver biopsies to measure how much liver fat and scarring changed. About 63% of semaglutide users had less fat and inflammation in their liver, while only 34% of placebo users showed the same improvement. Furthermore, one-third of semaglutide users had reduced liver scarring without worsening inflammation.
Weight Loss and Better Health Outcomes
People taking semaglutide also experienced better blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. They lost about 10.5% of their body weight on average. These changes are important because they address the underlying causes of MASH.
Dr. Manal Abdelmalek from Mayo Clinic said semaglutide’s benefits go beyond just treating the liver. The drug helps manage weight and blood sugar, which are key to improving overall health in people with MASH.
Why It Works
Although researchers aren’t entirely sure how semaglutide helps, they believe it works indirectly. The liver doesn’t have many GLP-1 receptors—the drug’s target—so the benefit likely comes from weight loss and better blood sugar levels. This, in turn, helps reduce fat buildup and scarring in the liver.
Side Effects and Study Limits
Like earlier studies, some people reported nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, very few participants stopped the treatment due to side effects. Only 2.6% of those on semaglutide and 3.3% on placebo dropped out.
One major limitation of the study is its lack of diversity. There were few Black participants, and researchers did not have full data on alcohol use or changes in body composition.
A New Hope for MASH Patients
MASH has limited treatment options. Only in 2024 did the FDA approve its first treatment drug—resmetirom. This drug is often used along with diet and exercise, though these lifestyle changes can be hard and may not reverse severe liver damage.
Experts believe semaglutide could become a valuable option. Dr. Abdelmalek said this research is just the beginning, and more studies will follow to strengthen these findings. With many new treatments now in advanced testing, doctors are hopeful about the future for MASH patients.
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