What's Happening?
Researchers at the University of Barcelona have discovered that two existing drugs, pemafibrate and telmisartan, can significantly reduce liver fat accumulation in animal models of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This condition, affecting one in three adults globally, is linked to serious liver damage and increased cardiovascular risk. The study suggests that combining these drugs could offer a safer and more effective treatment option for MASLD, which currently has limited therapies. The research highlights the potential of drug repurposing as a cost-effective strategy for developing new treatments.
Why It's Important?
MASLD is the most common liver disorder worldwide, with significant implications for public health due to its association with cardiovascular disease. The discovery of effective treatments could improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs related to liver and heart diseases. Drug repurposing offers a promising approach to quickly develop therapies using medications with known safety profiles, potentially accelerating the availability of new treatments. This research could pave the way for more comprehensive strategies to address liver disease and its complications.
What's Next?
Clinical trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy of these drugs in humans and determine their potential for treating MASLD. Researchers are also exploring the effectiveness of these drugs in more advanced stages of the disease, including liver fibrosis. The study's findings may lead to further investigations into combination therapies for liver and cardiovascular diseases, potentially improving treatment protocols and patient outcomes. Continued research in this area could result in new therapeutic options for millions of people affected by MASLD.
