A clinical trial investigates the use of a drug called resmetirom in improving the quality of life in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
What is Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis?
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver, causing inflammation and damage. It's a type of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that affects millions of people worldwide causing significant morbidity and mortality and reducing the overall health-related quality of life in these patients.
Resmetirom is a drug commonly used to reduce fat deposition in NASH patients. The drug works by activating a protein called thyroid hormone receptor beta, which regulates the metabolism of lipids (fats) and glucose (sugar) in the liver. However, its effect on improving the health-related quality of life of NASH patients was not known.
Clinical Trial
The clinical trial was conducted to explore the effects of resmetirom on patients with NASH especially its effect on the health-related quality of life.
The researchers conducted a clinical trial involving 125 patients with biopsy-confirmed NASH. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either resmetirom or a placebo once daily for 36 weeks.
Findings
At the end of the study period, the researchers found that the patients who received resmetirom had a significant reduction in liver fat compared to those who received the placebo. 47 out of 54 patients who completed treatment with resmetirom achieved a decrease in proton density fat fraction of ≥30% by week 12. The reduction in liver fat was confirmed by MRI-PDFF, a non-invasive imaging technique that measures liver fat content.
Furthermore, the patients who received resmetirom also reported significant improvements in their quality of life compared to those who received the placebo. The improvements were measured using a questionnaire called the Short Form-36.
The results of this clinical study are significant because Resmetirom could potentially become a first-line therapy for NASH as improving the quality of life is an essential aspect of treating this disease.
Conclusion
The clinical trial found that resmetirom reduced hepatic fat and improved the quality of life in patients with NASH. The drug has the potential to become a first-line therapy for NASH, and the results of this study are promising for millions of people worldwide who suffer from this condition. This trial provides valuable insight into the potential benefits of resmetirom for patients with NASH. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before starting any treatment for NASH.
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