‘Watershed Moment’: Semaglutide Shown to Be Effective in MASH (Medscape)

Interim results from the phase 3 ESSENCE trial reveal that semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is effective in treating metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in patients with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis. At 72 weeks, semaglutide achieved superior outcomes compared to placebo for two primary endpoints: resolving steatohepatitis without worsening fibrosis and improving fibrosis without worsening steatohepatitis. Additionally, significant benefits in weight loss (10.5%), liver enzyme improvements, and cardiometabolic risk factors were observed, with a similar safety profile between treatment and placebo groups.

The study highlights the potential of semaglutide to address both liver and cardiometabolic issues, offering hope for expanded therapeutic options for MASH patients. Further analyses are expected to explore weight-independent effects and mechanisms contributing to these improvements.