An experimental drug studied in monkeys may hold a key to treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a progressive condition that causes scarring and inflammation in the liver and is estimated to affect nearly one-third of the world's population, researchers reported.
The drug, DT-109 from Diapin Therapeutics, reversed fat buildup and prevented the progression of liver scarring in mice and monkeys with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) - an advanced stage of the disease that has proven extremely tricky to treat - according to a report published on Monday in Cell Metabolism.
NASH-related liver-scarring has become one of the most common reasons for liver transplantation.
For years, scientists have been trying to develop a medication that treats NASH, but many attempts have failed, study leader Dr. Eugene Chen of the University of Michigan Medical School said in a statement.
DT-109, a combination of three amino acids, works by stimulating the liver's breakdown of fatty acids and its production of anti-inflammatory molecules, and by inhibiting its production of a toxic acid known to be linked with higher risk for fatty liver disease.
"With this significant breakthrough in preclinical models, we can now consider evaluating DT-109 as a potential drug candidate for the treatment of NASH in future clinical trials," study coauthor Jifeng Zhang of Michigan Medicine said in a statement. "With millions of people suffering from NASH, the need for an effective treatment is more pressing than ever."
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Akero Therapautics and 89Bio presently have experimental drugs for NASH in clinical trials.
Read more about experimental NASH drugs on Reuters.com
