The FDA has approved Wegovy, a common weight loss drug, to treat an increasingly prevalent liver disease called MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis). Roughly 15 million Americans have MASH, which can lead to liver cancer and death. The drug is now available for adults with moderate-to-advanced fibrosis in the liver.
Wegovy works by lowering body weight, but researchers believe it may also have beneficial effects on inflammation in the liver. In a clinical trial, around 63% of people who took Wegovy saw improvements in their liver conditions without worsening scarring. However, common side effects include gastrointestinal issues and fatigue.
The new approval is significant as it expands the pool of people who can access the drug, which carries a list price of over $1,300 a month. Wegovy will join other approved medications for MASH, such as Rezdiffra and bariatric surgery, providing more treatment options for those affected.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/18/well/fda-approves-wegovy-mash-liver-disease-fibrosis.html