GLP-1 Drugs: An Emerging Treatment for MASH Liver Disease

GLP-1 Drugs: An Unexpected Solution for Liver Disease

Drug manufacturers are turning their attention to GLP-1 drugs, renowned for their significant weight loss effects, as a potential treatment for Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a form of liver disease. This development illustrates the potential of GLP-1 drugs for addressing health issues beyond their traditional uses.

Reducing the Risk of Severe Liver Disease

New research suggests that the treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists could potentially reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other adverse liver outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic liver disease. An observational study conducted using data from Swedish healthcare registries found a 49% lower 10-year risk for major adverse liver outcomes in patients who initiated GLP-1 agonist therapy and adhered to treatment. Although these results are promising, further longitudinal randomized controlled studies are needed to draw firm conclusions regarding adverse liver-related outcomes in individuals taking GLP-1 receptor agonists.

GLP-1 Drugs in the Fight Against MASH Liver Disease

Of the 105 obesity treatments currently in development or on the market, at least 23 are also being investigated for their potential in treating MASH, a type of fatty liver disease. Latest GLP-1 treatments like Wegovy and Zepbound, initially developed as diabetes drugs, are now being investigated for MASH. This shift in focus underscores the growing interest in using GLP-1 drugs to combat MASH liver disease.

Improvements in MASH Independent of Weight Loss

A 10-year retrospective study conducted at the John Cochran Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri, noted that the GLP-1 drug semaglutide improved MASH independent of weight loss. The study, which included 420 patients with diabetes on semaglutide for a minimum of 12 months, showed improvements in liver transaminases and MASH scores. The odds of positive effects were higher with longer treatment duration and were independent of weight loss.

Groundbreaking Results in MASH Treatment

Survodutide, a novel GLP-1 receptor dual agonist, has shown groundbreaking results in treating MASH in a Phase II trial. The trial achieved its primary endpoint with survivable reaching a biopsy-proven improvement in MASH after 48 weeks without worsening of fibrosis stages. The drug has also shown potential in addressing interconnected cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic conditions. The treatment has been granted Fast Track Designation by the FDA and access to the PRIME Scheme by the EMA for MASH with fibrosis. Full data will be presented in upcoming months, positioning survivable as a potential leading treatment for a population with great unmet medical needs.

Promising Results from Eli Lilly's Tirzepatide

Eli Lilly's tirzepatide, marketed as Zepbound and Mounjaro for weight loss and diabetes, has shown promising results in treating MASH liver disease in a Phase II trial. The highest dosage led to approximately 74% of participants being free of MASH without progression in liver scarring over a year. The drug's mechanism of action involves activating GLP-1 and GIP hormones to slow down stomach emptying and suppress appetite. Although it showed clinically meaningful results in reducing fibrosis, the trial was not specifically designed to statistically evaluate fibrosis improvement. The pharmaceutical industry is showing keen interest in developing treatments for MASH, with other companies also conducting studies on similar drugs for the condition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the potential of GLP-1 drugs to treat MASH liver disease represents a promising new avenue for addressing this growing health concern. As research continues and more data becomes available, it is clear that the role of GLP-1 drugs in treating liver disease could be significant.