Semaglutide Shows Promise in Treating Advanced Liver Disease, Study Finds
Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have discovered that semaglutide, a drug commonly used for type 2 diabetes and obesity, may also help reduce liver scarring in patients with advanced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This condition is a severe form of fatty liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. The study, published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, involved a Phase II clinical trial with around 700 adults. The trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of semaglutide, both alone and in combination with zalfermin, an experimental therapy. While the combination did not outperform placebo, semaglutide alone showed significant improvement in liver scarring without worsening inflammation. This finding is particularly important for patients with advanced stages of the disease, who have limited treatment options. 
