Resmetirom: A Breakthrough in the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously referred to as non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide. Its increasing incidence is closely linked with rising rates of obesity,...

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Main Authors: Laiba Shakeel, Ayesha Shaukat, Aymar Akilimali
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-06-01
Series:Health Science Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70920
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author Laiba Shakeel
Ayesha Shaukat
Aymar Akilimali
author_facet Laiba Shakeel
Ayesha Shaukat
Aymar Akilimali
author_sort Laiba Shakeel
collection DOAJ
description ABSTRACT Background and Aims Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously referred to as non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide. Its increasing incidence is closely linked with rising rates of obesity, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and metabolic syndrome. MASLD includes a spectrum of liver pathologies such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This review explores diagnostic advancements and therapeutic developments, focusing on Resmetirom, a selective thyroid hormone receptor‐beta (THR‐β) agonist, as a novel pharmacologic intervention. Methods The review draws upon current literature, clinical guidelines, and data from pivotal randomized controlled trials to evaluate the diagnostic criteria, non‐invasive assessment tools, lifestyle recommendations, and emerging pharmacotherapy for MASLD and MASH, focusing on Resmetirom. Results Resmetirom has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing hepatic fat content and improving markers of liver fibrosis in patients with noncirrhotic MASH and fibrosis stages F2–F3. Clinical trials showed improved liver histology, lipid profiles, and MASH resolution without fibrosis progression. Despite its promising profile, gastrointestinal side effects and gallstone‐related complications have been observed. Long‐term safety and outcomes related to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma prevention remain under investigation. Conclusion MASLD is a significant public health concern driven by metabolic dysfunction. While lifestyle changes remain central to management, Resmetirom offers a promising pharmacological option for patients with moderate to advanced MASH. Further long‐term studies are needed to fully establish its safety, effectiveness, and role in preventing advanced liver disease.
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spelling doaj-art-2e3b7a21dde84b2e9696ea285a030d2b2025-08-20T03:30:19ZengWileyHealth Science Reports2398-88352025-06-0186n/an/a10.1002/hsr2.70920Resmetirom: A Breakthrough in the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)Laiba Shakeel0Ayesha Shaukat1Aymar Akilimali2Department of Internal Medicine Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi PakistanDepartment of Internal Medicine Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi PakistanDepartment of Research Medical Research Circle (MedReC) Goma Democratic Republic of the CongoABSTRACT Background and Aims Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously referred to as non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide. Its increasing incidence is closely linked with rising rates of obesity, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and metabolic syndrome. MASLD includes a spectrum of liver pathologies such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This review explores diagnostic advancements and therapeutic developments, focusing on Resmetirom, a selective thyroid hormone receptor‐beta (THR‐β) agonist, as a novel pharmacologic intervention. Methods The review draws upon current literature, clinical guidelines, and data from pivotal randomized controlled trials to evaluate the diagnostic criteria, non‐invasive assessment tools, lifestyle recommendations, and emerging pharmacotherapy for MASLD and MASH, focusing on Resmetirom. Results Resmetirom has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing hepatic fat content and improving markers of liver fibrosis in patients with noncirrhotic MASH and fibrosis stages F2–F3. Clinical trials showed improved liver histology, lipid profiles, and MASH resolution without fibrosis progression. Despite its promising profile, gastrointestinal side effects and gallstone‐related complications have been observed. Long‐term safety and outcomes related to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma prevention remain under investigation. Conclusion MASLD is a significant public health concern driven by metabolic dysfunction. While lifestyle changes remain central to management, Resmetirom offers a promising pharmacological option for patients with moderate to advanced MASH. Further long‐term studies are needed to fully establish its safety, effectiveness, and role in preventing advanced liver disease.https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70920cardiometabolic risk factorsDiabetes Mellitus Type 2elasticity imaging techniquesMASLDmetabolic syndromenon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
spellingShingle Laiba Shakeel
Ayesha Shaukat
Aymar Akilimali
Resmetirom: A Breakthrough in the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
Health Science Reports
cardiometabolic risk factors
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
elasticity imaging techniques
MASLD
metabolic syndrome
non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
title Resmetirom: A Breakthrough in the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
title_full Resmetirom: A Breakthrough in the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
title_fullStr Resmetirom: A Breakthrough in the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
title_full_unstemmed Resmetirom: A Breakthrough in the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
title_short Resmetirom: A Breakthrough in the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
title_sort resmetirom a breakthrough in the treatment of metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease masld
topic cardiometabolic risk factors
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
elasticity imaging techniques
MASLD
metabolic syndrome
non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
url https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70920
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AT aymarakilimali resmetiromabreakthroughinthetreatmentofmetabolicdysfunctionassociatedsteatoticliverdiseasemasld