A groundbreaking study funded by the National Institutes of Health has revealed that a weekly injection of semaglutide can significantly reduce liver fat in individuals with HIV and a type of liver disease. The data from this mid-stage study was first presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in Denver, Colorado.
This study marks the first time that the effects of semaglutide have been explored in HIV patients with Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MASLD, previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver, unrelated to alcohol consumption or viral hepatitis.
The participants in the study were adult patients with MASLD whose HIV viral load had been effectively suppressed through antiretroviral therapy (ART). The results were remarkable, with an average reduction of 31% in liver fat observed among the patients. Furthermore, 29% of the participants experienced a complete resolution of MASLD, resulting in their liver fat decreasing to 5% or less of their overall liver content.
It is worth noting that out of the 49 patients included in the data analysis, 40 were taking ART regimens that included integrase strand transfer inhibitors. While these drugs have proven effective in suppressing HIV, they have also been associated with weight gain in some patients. The fact that semaglutide was able to reduce liver fat even in individuals taking these inhibitors is an encouraging finding.
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s popular weight loss drug Wegovy and diabetes treatment Ozempic. Novo Nordisk is currently conducting a separate late-stage trial to test semaglutide’s efficacy in patients with MASLD.
This study’s findings are particularly significant because they offer hope for individuals living with HIV and MASLD. The reduction in liver fat not only improves liver health but also has the potential to positively impact overall well-being and quality of life for these patients.
Another pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly, has also been making strides in the treatment of fatty liver disease. Their drug tirzepatide, found in the popular diabetes medication Mounjaro, has shown promising results in a mid-stage trial involving patients without HIV. Up to 74% of these patients achieved the absence of a severe type of fatty liver disease, with no worsening of liver scarring after 52 weeks of treatment.
The advancements made by both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly in tackling liver diseases are undoubtedly significant. As more research is conducted, it is hoped that these medications will continue to demonstrate their effectiveness and ultimately provide much-needed relief for individuals suffering from these conditions.
In conclusion, the study’s findings on the efficacy of semaglutide in reducing liver fat in HIV patients with MASLD are groundbreaking. This research offers hope for improved liver health and overall well-being for individuals living with both HIV and liver disease. With ongoing trials and further research, we can anticipate more effective treatments and a brighter future for those affected by these conditions.
