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Observational studies and small clinical trials have suggested that glucagon-like pepide-1 (GLP-1) agonists have favorable effects in patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH). In an industry-sponsored, phase 3, multicenter, randomized U.S. trial (the ESSENCE study), researchers now provide additional evidence in 800 patients (mean age, 56) with liver-biopsy-proven MASH and stage 2 or 3 fibrosis.
At baseline, mean body-mass index (BMI) was 35 kg/m2, and 56% of patients had type 2 diabetes. Patients received semaglutide (titrated to 2.4 mg) or placebo once weekly, and liver biopsies were repeated at 72 weeks. Semaglutide recipients were significantly more likely than placebo recipients to have resolution of steatoh…