Semaglutide and the Evolving Landscape of Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Authors

Rohan Karkra, Rutgers New Jersey Medical SchoolFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3957-2482

Corresponding Author

Rohan Karkra

rohan.karkra@rutgers.edu

Abstract

The FDA approved Semaglutide (Wegovy™) on August 15, 2025, for adults with MASLD and moderate to advanced fibrosis (F2–F3), making it the second approved therapy after Resmetirom. MASLD affects up to 38% of adults and is now the leading cause of liver disease. In the phase 3 ESSENCE trial, Semaglutide achieved resolution of steatohepatitis without worsening fibrosis in 62.9% versus 34.3% with placebo, with additional benefits in weight loss and glycemic control. While long-term data remain pending and access barriers exist, this approval marks a significant advance in MASLD therapy with meaningful histologic and metabolic improvements.

Publication Date

2025

Publisher

JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research

Conflict of Interest

None

Keywords

MASLD, Semaglutide, Wegovy, MASH, Cirrhosis

Word Count

336

Recommended Citation

Karkra R. Semaglutide and the Evolving Landscape of Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease. Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2025; 7(4): -. doi: https://doi.org/10.55691/2582-3868.1280

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