jetcityimage/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Developers of drugs targeting a liver disease called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) trended lower in the premarket on Wednesday after detailed data from a mid-stage trial for Eli Lilly's ( NYSE: LLY ) weight loss drug tirzepatide was published, highlighting its potential against NASH. Notable decliners include Madrigal Pharmaceuticals ( MDGL ), which won FDA approval for its lead asset, Rezdiffra, for NASH, also known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), early this year. In February, LLY said its Phase 2 SYNERGY-NASH trial for tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss, reached the primary endpoint in adults with NASH.
In addition to Madrigal ( MDGL ), other NASH-focused drug developers such as Sagimet Biosciences ( SGMT ), 89bio ( ETNB ), Akero Therapeutics ( AKRO ), and Viking Therapeutics ( VKTX ) traded lower in reaction. The detailed results from the study posted ahead of a European medical event this week indicate that more than 50% of patients on tirzepatide in three different doses reached the trial's primary goal of MASH resolution without worsening of fibrosis at 52 weeks, compared to 13% on placebo. More than 60% of patients who received the GLP-1 receptor agonist at 15 mg also achieved MASH resolution without worsening of fibrosis, compared to ~10% on placebo.
Adverse events linked to tirzepatide were mostly GIT-related and mild to moderate in severity. UBS .
