Latest news with #ArunSanyal
Medscape
12-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Semaglutide Therapy Improves Liver Histology in MASH
Adult patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and moderate or advanced liver fibrosis showed improved liver histology with a once-weekly dose of semaglutide (Wegovy), an ongoing randomized placebo-controlled trial reported. The glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) is currently a candidate for treating MASH. Preliminary results of the two-part phase 3, double-blind ESSENCE trial, conducted in at 253 clinical sites in 37 countries, were published in The New England Journal of Medicine. A previous phase 2 study by Loomba et al suggested semaglutide was effective in reducing liver injury. 'That study, however, did not show improvement in liver fibrosis, which this study has done,' study co-lead Philip Newsome, PhD, professor in the Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy and Honorary Professor of Experimental Hepatology at the University of Birmingham in Birmingham, England, told Medscape Medical News . 'The results aligned with expectations in that that the impact on liver fibrosis was anticipated — but with some uncertainty, so this study is important in that regard.' Study Details From May 2020 to April 2023, researchers led by Newsome and Arun J. Sanyal, MBBS, MD, of Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond, Virginia, randomized 1197 patients with a mean age of 56 years. Of these, 57% were women and 67.5% were White individuals. Mean body mass index was 34.6, and 55.9% had type 2 diabetes. All had biopsy-defined MASH and fibrosis stage 2 or 3 according to the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network classification and a Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Activity Score ≥ 4. Rates of fibrosis were 31.3% for stage 2 fibrosis and 68.8% for stage 3. Diverse geographic site locations included Asia (25.1%), Europe (25.3%), North America (35.0%), and South America (7.9%), and others (6.8%). In a 2:1 ratio, they were assigned to receive once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide at a dose of 2.4 mg or placebo for 240 weeks. A planned interim analysis of the first 800 patients was done at week 72, with primary endpoints being resolution of steatohepatitis without worsening of liver fibrosis and reduction in liver fibrosis without worsening of steatohepatitis. Resolution of steatohepatitis without worsening of fibrosis occurred in 62.9% of the 534 patients in the semaglutide group and in 34.3% of the 266 patients in the placebo group (estimated difference, 28.7 percentage points; 95% CI, 21.1-36.2, P < .001). A reduction in liver fibrosis without worsening of steatohepatitis was reported in 36.8% of semaglutide recipients and 22.4% of placebo recipients (estimated difference, 14.4 percentage points; 95% CI, 7.5-21.3, P < .001). In secondary findings, the combined resolution of steatohepatitis and reduction in liver fibrosis was reported in 32.7% in the semaglutide group vs 16.1% in the placebo group (estimated difference, 16.5 percentage points; 95% CI, 10.2-22.8; P < .001). The mean change in body weight was −10.5% with semaglutide and −2.0% with placebo (estimated difference, −8.5 percentage points; 95% CI, −9.6 to −7.4, P < .001). Mean changes in bodily pain scores did not differ significantly between arms. The histologic benefits of semaglutide also emerged in improvements on all prespecified noninvasive tests — including aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels and liver stiffness. Emerging evidence has suggested an association between reductions in liver stiffness and clinical benefit. Gastrointestinal adverse events were more common in the semaglutide group. Commenting on the study from a nonparticipant's perspective, Naga P. Chalasani, MD, professor of gastroenterology and hepatology at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, said results from the ESSENCE trial were 'long awaited and they certainly advance the field of MASH clinical trials substantially.' Furthermore, he added, the results are well aligned with those of a phase 2B trial of semaglutide by Newsome and colleagues for what was then termed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and they also align with what is known about the positive role of incretins, digestive hormones imitated by GLP-1s to improve liver health in patients with MASLD and MASH.' 'The results from this study certainly make a case for semaglutide to be the backbone therapy for diabetic or obese patients with MASH and fibrosis,' Chalasani said. 'More than 80% of patients with MASH and fibrosis have either diabetes and/or obesity.' He added that a better understanding is needed of how semaglutide works in patients with MASH cirrhosis since the previous small study was unsuccessful. 'But this may need to be repeated as the published study was underpowered. Outcomes in the ESSENCE trial will help to clarify whether semaglutide will improve clinical outcomes beyond improving liver histology.' According to Newsome, GLP-1s will become the backbone of therapy in MASH given their range of metabolic and liver benefit. But questions remain, he said. 'Will there be further improvements with longer treatment with semaglutide? What noninvasive tests should we use to determine treatment success? Which patients will benefit from combination treatment?' This study was supported by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy. Sanyal reported having various financial relationships with multiple private-sector companies, including Novo Nordisk. Newsome reported consulting for Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim. Several study coauthors reported having similar relationships with pharmaceutical companies or employment with Novo Nordisk.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Can Ozempic reverse liver disease? New study holds the answer
The landmark study Why is this big news? Should everyone with liver disease be on Ozempic? Increasing coffee consumption may lower severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver: Study If you've been hearing a lot about Ozempic lately, you're not alone. Once a quiet diabetes drug, it shot to fame as a weight-loss injection. But now, it might be about to earn a new title: a potential game-changer for liver disease. You read that right—Ozempic may not just help you shed pounds, but also reverse serious and common liver is the brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally designed to manage blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking a hormone that controls hunger, making you feel full faster and eat less. That's how it gained massive popularity for weight loss. But researchers recently discovered another potential benefit that could impact millions—its ability to tackle non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or is an advanced form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition where fat builds up in the liver unrelated to alcohol use. Over time, that fat causes inflammation and liver cell damage, leading to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, or even liver failure. There's currently no approved drug specifically for treating is where Ozempic comes in—and it's not just hype.A new clinical trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine , revealed that semaglutide can significantly improve liver health in NASH study was led by Dr Arun Sanyal of the Virginia Commonwealth University (US), and Dr Philip Newsome of King's College followed over 800 people diagnosed with NASH and liver fibrosis. Participants were randomly given either a weekly injection of semaglutide (Ozempic) or a placebo for 72 weeks. The results? than 62.9% of patients taking semaglutide saw a complete resolution of NASH, compared to just 34.3% in the placebo group. Improvements in both MASH and fibrosis were seen in 32.7 percent of the participants on semaglutide, compared to 16.1 percent of the placebo better? People also lost weight which is linked to liver now, patients with NASH have been told the same old advice: lose weight, exercise more, and eat better. While lifestyle changes do work, they're often not enough for people already dealing with fibrosis and significant liver inflammation. Plus, not everyone is able to lose the amount of weight needed to improve liver semaglutide, patients may finally have a real treatment that goes beyond just symptom so fast. While this is exciting news, semaglutide isn't approved yet specifically for NASH or fatty liver disease—it's currently approved for type 2 diabetes and used for weight like any drug, it comes with side effects—nausea, vomiting, constipation, and possible risks for pancreatitis or gallbladder issues in some people. So, it's not a universal fix—but it could be a huge step forward for those battling progressive liver disease with few other options, once it gets approved. Don't make any changes without talking to your doctor.
The Hill
06-05-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Ozempic, Wegovy could reverse severe liver disease, study suggests
Drugs made to treat diabetes and weight loss could stop or even reverse a severe liver disease, according to a new study. The international study led by a Virginia Commonwealth University researcher found the medication semaglutide, commonly known by brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, has the ability to counter metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH, liver disease and some of its risk factors. MASH is characterized by inflammation and scarring caused by fat buildup in the liver. It affects roughly 20 percent of adults in the U.S. and is closely associated with risk factors like Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Researchers administered weekly injections — either a placebo or semaglutide — to 800 patients across 37 countries between 2021 and 2023. More than half of participants had Type 2 diabetes, and 75 percent were obese. After nearly 17 months of injections, 62.9 percent of semaglutide patients had less inflammation and fat accumulation in their livers; 34 percent of placebo patients saw the same results. It also reduced liver scarring in 37 percent of patients, compared to the placebo's 23 percent. The study's semaglutide subjects also saw 10.5 percent weight loss, as well as improvements in liver enzymes and liver fibrosis measurements. 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.' Sanyal's team plans to continue the research by studying 1,200 participants from 37 countries for up to five years to look into long-term liver issues.
Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Explained: ‘Wonder drug' Ozempic could reverse liver disease, finds study
A drug originally developed to treat diabetes, and now prescribed for weight loss, may have yet another significant application: stopping, perhaps even reversing, liver disease. In a phase 3 clinical trial involving 800 participants across 37 countries, and lasting 72 weeks, an international team of researchers found that a weekly dose of semaglutide was effective at treating Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious form of fatty liver disease, in almost two-thirds of patients. Semaglutide is the key component of diabetes drug Ozempic and weight loss drug Wegovy. The study was led by Dr Arun Sanyal of the Virginia Commonwealth University (US), and Dr Philip Newsome of King's College London. Its findings were published on April 30 in The New England Journal of Medicine. 'The results provide strong evidence that semaglutide can help by not only improving liver health, but also addressing the underlying metabolic issues that contribute to the disease,' Sanyal said in a press release by his university. According to Yale Medicine, MASH describes a spectrum of conditions marked by fat buildup in the liver not caused by alcohol use. It is a metabolic syndrome usually caused by overnutrition, and leads to inflammation and scarring of the liver. 'If approved, (the use of semaglutide to treat MASH) could offer an additional therapeutic option… This is crucial, given the strong link between MASH and cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal conditions, where semaglutide has already shown established health benefits,' Sanyal said.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ozempic, Wegovy could reverse severe liver disease, study suggests
(NewsNation) — Drugs made to treat diabetes and weight loss could stop or even reverse a severe liver disease, according to a new study. The international study led by a Virginia Commonwealth University researcher found the medication semaglutide, commonly known by brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, has the ability to counter metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH, liver disease and some of its risk factors. MASH is characterized by inflammation and scarring caused by fat buildup in the liver. It affects roughly 20% of adults in the United States and is closely associated with risk factors like Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These 2 things in your diet could help lower inflammation: Study Researchers administered weekly injections — either a placebo or semaglutide — to 800 patients across 37 countries between 2021 and 2023. More than half of participants had Type 2 diabetes, and 75% were obese. After nearly 17 months of injections, 62.9% of semaglutide patients had less inflammation and fat accumulation in their livers; 34% of placebo patients saw the same results. Semaglutide also reduced liver scarring in 37% of patients, compared to the placebo's 23%. The study's semaglutide subjects also saw 10.5% weight loss, as well as improvements in liver enzymes and liver fibrosis measurements. How are hypertension, heart disease and stroke related? 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.' Sanyal's team plans to continue the research by studying 1,200 participants from 37 countries for up to five years to look into long-term liver issues. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
