Potential pharmacotherapy pathways in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent global liver condition.
• It is a significant risk factor for cirrhosis, liver cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
• MASLD prevalence is increasing, projected to double by 2030 due to the obesity epidemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current pharmacological treatments for MASLD.
• To explore potential future pharmacotherapy for MASLD's hepatic complications.
• To highlight the limited efficacy of current treatments targeting steatosis, steatohepatitis, or fibrosis alone.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current pharmacological options for MASLD.
• Analysis of ongoing clinical trials for novel MASLD pharmacotherapies.
• Discussion of treatment strategies for MASLD-related hepatic complications.

Main Results:

• Current treatment primarily relies on weight reduction, diet, physical activity, and managing associated metabolic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
• Pharmacological treatment specifically for hepatic steatosis, steatohepatitis, or fibrosis in MASLD is limited.
• Numerous drugs targeting MASLD's hepatic manifestations are under investigation in clinical trials.

Conclusions:

• Effective MASLD management requires a multi-faceted approach including lifestyle changes and addressing cardiometabolic risk factors.
• The development of targeted pharmacotherapies for MASLD's liver manifestations is an active area of research.
• Future treatments may offer more direct options for hepatic steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis.