Washington, DC – January 5, 2023 – Happy New Year! We hope the year has already begun to bring you fresh energy and new opportunities. Indeed, last year ended with a bang for liver health. In case you missed it, we’re here to catch you up.
Positive Phase III Clinical Trial Results for Madrigal’s NASH Treatment
DECEMBER 19, 2022 – Great news in the NAFLD/NASH world: Madrigal Pharmaceuticals announced that in its MAESTRO-NASH study, the drug resmetirom has successfully achieved both primary endpoints proposed by the FDA to predict clinical benefit as well as being safe and well-tolerated. This creates a promising foundation for a New Drug Application and eventual availability of pharmaceutical treatment for NASH.
Intercept Resubmits NASH Fibrosis Treatment to FDA
DECEMBER 23, 2022 – After positive phase III trial results and detailed safety analysis, Intercept Pharmaceuticals announced that it has resubmitted a New Drug Application for obeticholic acid (OCA) for treatment of fibrosis due to NASH. This scarring can otherwise lead to downstream liver failure, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. It looks like pharmaceutical treatment for this too-common liver disease may be right around the corner.
Increased Understanding of the Brain-Liver Connection
JANUARY 01, 2023 – Several studies have associated NAFLD with mild cognitive decline and low oxygen levels, though the precise mechanism is unknown. A study out of Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology has found that mice without monocarboxylate transporter-1 (Mct-1) are protected from both NAFLD and its associated cognitive decline when given a diet that otherwise causes NAFLD. For a condition that affects an estimated 1 in 4 adults in the world, this troubling association provides a positive opportunity: a potential target for preventing both NAFLD and cognitive decline, Mct-1.
Bipartisan Omnibus Spending Package Passes into Law in the US
DECEMBER 23, 2022 – After it passed in the 117th Congress, President Biden signed the omnibus bipartisan funding bill into law for 2023. In addition to robust increases in funding for health research and public health agencies, including the NIH, CDC, and FDA, including notable investment in innovative cancer research (including liver cancer!) through the ARPA-H. Liver health will continue to be supported in 2023.
We can’t wait to see what more good news 2023 brings. In the meantime, be sure to stay up to date with the latest in liver health by subscribing to our newsletters and following us on social media.
About Global Liver Institute
Global Liver Institute (GLI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in the belief that liver health must take its place on the global public health agenda commensurate with the prevalence and impact of liver illness. GLI promotes innovation, encourages collaboration, and supports the scaling of optimal approaches to help eradicate liver diseases. Operating globally, GLI is committed to solving the problems that matter to liver patients and equipping advocates to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by liver disease. Follow GLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
