Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic—a drug widely known for treating diabetes and aiding weight loss—may also help people suffering from a severe form of fatty liver disease, according to new research published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
An international team of researchers studied the effects of semaglutide on 800 adults diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a progressive liver condition linked to obesity and metabolic disorders. The clinical trial spanned 72 weeks and involved participants from 37 countries.
Results showed that a weekly dose of semaglutide led to improvements in nearly two-thirds of patients. Specifically, 62.9% of those given the drug saw reduced liver inflammation and fat buildup, compared to 34.3% in the placebo group.
Semaglutide reduces liver scarring and combined symptoms
The treatment also affected liver fibrosis, a form of scarring caused by long-term liver disease. Among patients who received semaglutide, 36.8% showed reduced fibrosis, while only 22.4% of those on a placebo experienced similar changes.
When both MASH and fibrosis were evaluated together, 32.7% of semaglutide users improved, compared to 16.1% in the placebo group.
🚨 The active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy could potentially help in reversing indicators of liver disease. pic.twitter.com/s3br6zgWsG
— The Tradesman (@The_Tradesman1) May 1, 2025
“The results from this landmark study across 37 countries provide strong evidence that semaglutide can help patients with MASH by not only improving liver health, but also addressing the underlying metabolic issues that contribute to the disease,” said Dr. Arun Sanyal, professor of medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University and one of the study’s lead authors.
Researchers note that some improvement in the placebo group is expected. In many clinical trials, participants often adopt healthier habits and experience benefits simply by believing they are receiving treatment.
Broader health impact and future research plans
MASH is closely connected to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and kidney problems—areas where semaglutide has already shown proven benefits. Experts say that targeting both liver health and the broader metabolic system may offer a more effective way to manage the disease.
Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. While originally developed for diabetes care, it has been widely adopted for weight loss and is now being explored for other chronic conditions.
The trial is ongoing and will expand to include more participants over the next five years. Researchers aim to determine whether the benefits observed so far can be sustained long-term.
Currently, there is only one approved medication for MASH, underscoring the need for new treatment options.
“If approved, this could offer an additional therapeutic option for patients with MASH and fibrosis,” says Sanyal.
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