California researchers create promising treatment for MASH liver condition

Clinical trials showed no major side effects. REPRESENTATION PIC

Scientists at the University of California have developed a drug that could provide a new treatment for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

This severe type of fatty liver disease is associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes and can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

The drug, ION224, blocks a liver enzyme called DGAT2, essential for the liver's process of producing and storing fat. Inhibiting it reduces fat accumulation and inflammation.

A clinical trial was carried out at multiple centres across the US, enrolling 160 adults diagnosed with MASH and showing early to moderate fibrosis.

Over a year, participants were given monthly injections of either varying doses of ION224 or a placebo. Results revealed that at the highest dose, 60 per cent of patients experienced significant improvements.

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