The approval of Madrigal's Rezdiffra earlier this year was an important step for patients but we have a long way to go for robust therapy. Happily, research continues and there are important phase 3 trials underway from Akero Therapeutics (Efruxifermin) and 89Bio, (Pegozafermin) targeting FGF21. These are interesting as they more directly address fibrosis and are being tested for F4 patients which could be important as Rezdiffra is only approved for F2/F3.
Both of these drug candidates have shown impressive reductions in fibrosis in phase 2 trials.
FGF21 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 21) is a protein that plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes in the body.
Metabolic Regulation -- FGF21 is involved in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. It helps to increase insulin sensitivity and promotes the utilization of fatty acids,
Energy Homeostasis -- FGF21 acts as a signaling molecule that communicates between organs, such as the liver, adipose tissue, and pancreas
Thermogenesis -- FGF21 is known to promote thermogenesis (heat production) in brown adipose tissue,
Stress Response -- It is involved in the body’s response to stress, particularly in conditions like starvation.
Potential Therapeutic Applications -- Due to its role in metabolism, FGF21 is being studied for its potential use in treating obesity, type 2 diabetes, MASH, and other metabolic disorders.
We are watching these trials with considerable interest as they could lead to the first approved therapy for advanced fibrosis, F4, for which we are painfully lacking therapy.
The State of Steatotic (Fatty) Liver Care in America is an annual survey of liver patients seeking to understand what their experience with doctors treating the disease has been. We need your input to help us advise doctors where we, the patients, feel the care given needs to improve. Please click the link below to go to the survey. It is completely anonymous.
What you should expect, it will take about 20 minutes and there are 50 questions. LABORIOUS, I know. I hate surveys myself but this is to help us, the patient community, not some company, so please give it your attention.
CLICK THIS LINK TO GO TO THE SURVEY
If you would like to read the 2023 report the link below will take you to that one.
