United States: Drugs intended for diabetes management and weight loss treatments demonstrate the potential to halt or reverse serious liver disease, according to a new research study.
Semaglutide May Combat Serious Liver Damage
According to research conducted globally under the leadership of a Virginia Commonwealth University researcher, semaglutide, revealed under brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, shows promise in combating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis or MASH liver disease while managing associated risk factors, as reported by The Hills.
Liver damage from MASH becomes apparent through its inflammatory components and tissue scarring which occur when fat builds up inside the liver. The Cleveland Clinic reports MASH affects 20 percent of U.S. adults with links to high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes risk factors.
Study Spans 37 Countries, Hundreds of Patients
A trial spanned 37 countries and extended from 2021 to 2023, during which researchers conducted weekly administration of semaglutide or placebo solutions to 800 patients.
The research involved patients who primarily had Type 2 diabetes along with 75 percent who were classified as obese.
Semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy, is now showing benefits in fighting a deadly liver disease. https://t.co/aPo3GCyeOA
— New Scientist (@newscientist) May 6, 2025
Results Show Significant Liver and Weight Benefits
After nearly 17 months of injections, 62.9 percent of semaglutide patients had less inflammation and fat accumulation in their livers. The performance of placebo patients remained identical to that of 34 percent of subjects.
Research showed the use of semaglutide led to reduced liver scarring in 37 percent of patients while the placebo group experienced this outcome in 23 percent of patients.
Semaglutide patients completed the study with both weight reductions of 10.5 percent and improved liver function tests and measurements of liver fibrosis.
A Potential Breakthrough for Millions
Lead author Dr. Arun Sanyal said the study could offer a “promising new approach for millions of patients.”
“If approved, this could offer an additional therapeutic option for patients with MASH and fibrosis,” Sanyal said. “This is crucial, given the strong link between MASH and cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal conditions, where semaglutide has already shown established health benefits.”
Through the continued research Sanyal’s team will study 1,200 individuals from 37 nations for up to five years to investigate persistent liver problems, as reported by The Hills.