Quick glance at 'metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease' therapeutics: Targets, trials, and trends

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), recognized as the most prevalent liver disease worldwide and a leading cause of liver transplantation, is closely associated with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction. Its multifactorial pathogenesis involves insulin resistance, lipotoxicity, gut dysbiosis, and dysregulated signaling involving multiple receptors and pathways, culminating in hepatic steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and, ultimately, cirrhosis. Emerging insights into bile acid metabolism, short-chain fatty acids, and fibrogenic mediators underscore the complexity of disease progression. Despite increasing global prevalence, effective pharmacological treatments remain limited. Resmetirom, a thyroid hormone receptor β (THR-β) agonist, is currently the lone agent approved for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Off-label use of vitamin E and obeticholic acid has met with some treatment success. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists, novel antidiabetic agents, glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have shown promising results in MASLD/MASH; however, further data are needed to prove their efficacy and safety. While metformin has largely failed to demonstrate efficacy, hepatotoxicity remains an area of concern with statin therapy. Novel agents, such as fibroblast growth factor analogs, fatty acid synthase inhibitors, galectin-3 inhibitors, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase inhibitors, are in the early stages of development and trials, warranting further research in steatotic liver diseases. Despite encouraging advances, long-term safety, durability of response, and regulatory approvals remain key hurdles before these agents can be broadly implemented in clinical practice. This review summarizes current knowledge on the pathogenesis of MASLD/MASH and the molecular pathways that may offer therapeutic potential in managing this widespread metabolic liver disease.

Keywords: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease; Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis; Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; Resmetirom; Fatty liver; Vitamin E; Insulin resistance; Obeticholic acid

Core Tip: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), have emerged as leading causes of chronic liver disease globally, paralleling the rise in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. These conditions significantly increase the risk of cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, creating an urgent need for effective treatment strategies. Recent advances in pharmacotherapy, including agents targeting metabolic pathways, inflammation, and fibrosis offer promising and novel therapeutic landscapes. Early recognition and intervention are essential to prevent disease progression and reduce the growing global burden of MASLD/MASH.