thought leadership
Trends 2024: Will GLP-1 receptor agonists dominate the MASH therapeutic market?
December 7, 2023
Amidst a growing prevalence of fatty liver diseases, hepatology experts explore the latest developments in the area, including nomenclature changes, therapeutic advancements of GLP-1 and MASH-specific drugs, and the potential benefits of more integrated care.
The field of hepatology has recently undergone some significant changes. A rethinking of how fatty liver diseases are named and categorized, and the arrival of obesity- and diabetes-targeting GLP-1 receptor agonists for treating associated comorbidities, have raised some important questions on the future of treatment for these diseases. Recently, faculty members from the International Hepatology Education Program (IHEP) met to discuss these changes and how they could impact the patient treatment journey and future drug development programs for liver diseases, previously named “fatty liver” diseases.
An urgent imperative in the landscape.
Closely linked to the global epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease attributed to metabolic dysfunction is becoming more prevalent and severe. Despite ongoing research efforts, there are no approved therapies tailored specifically for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe form of liver disease. This highlights the urgent need for effective treatments that can slow or reverse disease progression. However, tailoring treatments to individual profiles remains challenging due to varying disease severity and associated comorbidities.
Navigating complex regulatory pathways, exploring potential combination therapies, ensuring long-term safety, and promoting patient access all contribute to the comprehensive approach required to combat these diseases. As a first step, however, increasing awareness and an accurate understanding of the disease is crucial for enhancing both the patient experience and treatment options.
Read on for expert insights from clinical experts on:
- How new nomenclature and categorization connects fatty liver disease and metabolic conditions
- GLP-1 receptor agonist use in obesity, diabetes, and MASH
- The impact of GLP-1s on MASH clinical trials
- Potential benefits of more integrated care in this therapy area
- The future for the management of MASH