Semaglutide 2·4 mg once weekly in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related cirrhosis: a randomised, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial

A randomised, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial investigating the efficacy of semaglutide 2·4 mg once weekly in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related cirrhosis has yielded promising results.

The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at multiple sites worldwide, with a total of 79 participants. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either semaglutide 2·4 mg or a placebo once weekly for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in liver fibrosis stage, as measured by Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE). Secondary outcomes included changes in liver fat content, serum markers of liver injury, as well as changes in body weight, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio.

The results of the trial showed that, compared to the placebo group, patients in the semaglutide group experienced a significant reduction in liver fibrosis stage. Moreover, these patients also demonstrated significant reductions in liver fat content and serum markers of liver injury. Furthermore, the semaglutide group experienced significant improvements in body weight, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio.

The authors of the study concluded that semaglutide 2·4 mg may be a viable treatment option for patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related cirrhosis, as it was well-tolerated and associated with significant improvements in liver fibrosis, liver fat content, and other clinical measures. However, they noted that further research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the long-term safety of this treatment.

Overall, the Phase 2 trial of semaglutide 2·4 mg in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related cirrhosis demonstrated promising results, with the drug being well-tolerated and associated with significant reductions in liver fibrosis stage, liver fat content, and other clinical measures. Nonetheless, further research is needed to confirm these findings and to assess the long-term safety of this treatment.