Efficacy and safety of zalfermin co-administered with semaglutide in participants with fibrosis and cirrhosis due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis: a phase 2, dose-ranging, double-blind, randomised controlled trial.
Rohit Loomba, Jacob George, Laurent Castera et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This phase 2, double-blind, randomised controlled trial assessed the efficacy and safety of zalfermin co-administered with semaglutide in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and fibrosis or cirrhosis. Among 698 participants, the combination did not significantly improve liver fibrosis compared to placebo (24% vs 16%, p=0.19), although semaglutide alone showed a nominally significant improvement (30% vs 16%, p=0.024).
Key findings
- 24% of participants in the zalfermin plus semaglutide group improved fibrosis compared to 16% in the placebo group (p=0.19).
- 30% of participants receiving semaglutide alone improved fibrosis compared to 16% in the placebo group (p=0.024).
- Gastrointestinal adverse events were reported in 80% of the zalfermin plus semaglutide group.
- Serious adverse events occurred in 7% of the zalfermin plus semaglutide group.
Why it matters
The study highlights the potential of semaglutide in improving liver fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, while the combination with zalfermin did not show significant efficacy. Understanding these outcomes can guide treatment decisions in managing liver disease.