New analyses from semaglutide studies in MASH will spotlight liver safety, menopausal women, and Japanese patient populations at the upcoming EASL Congress, expanding the evidence base for GLP-1 therapy in chronic liver disease.
By: Regulatory Desk
Novo Nordisk will present new clinical analyses of semaglutide 2.4 mg in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Annual Congress 2026 in Barcelona, expanding evidence for GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy in chronic liver disease. The presentations build on Phase 3 ESSENCE program findings, which previously demonstrated semaglutide improved liver inflammation and fibrosis in patients with MASH.
Three analyses will be highlighted:
- Liver safety evaluation: Semaglutide maintained a favorable hepatic safety profile across patient subgroups, a critical consideration for individuals with impaired liver function.
- Menopause subgroup analysis: New data in menopausal women underscore the heightened risk of metabolic dysfunction and accelerated liver disease progression following hormonal changes.
- Japanese patient subgroup analysis: Findings address unique disease characteristics in Japanese patients, where MASH often develops at lower BMI thresholds and may involve distinct metabolic and genetic risk factors.
MASH, the progressive inflammatory form of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), can advance to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Novo Nordisk estimates nearly 250 million people worldwide live with MASH, with approximately 90% undiagnosed. The condition is closely linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
David Ørsted, vice president of Global Medical Affairs Obesity & MASH at Novo Nordisk, said the new analyses support earlier identification and evidence-based treatment approaches for diverse patient populations.
Semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy®, is already approved by the U.S. FDA for adults with MASH and moderate-to-advanced liver fibrosis without cirrhosis. Novo Nordisk stated that the latest findings strengthen the growing clinical evidence base for GLP-1 therapy in metabolic liver disease ahead of further global regulatory and clinical expansion efforts.
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