Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy has received US approval to treat a rare liver disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), affecting around 5% of US adults with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis. This makes Wegovy the first GLP-1 class therapy cleared for MASH. The approval boosts the drug’s applications beyond diabetes and obesity treatment, expanding its presence in the metabolic disease market.
Wegovy has shown promising results in reducing liver fibrosis and improving steatohepatitis outcomes in clinical trials. The US FDA approved Wegovy based on phase one trial data, which demonstrated a statistically significant improvement over placebo.
The approval comes as shares of Novo Nordisk rose 7.4% following the announcement, with the company also announcing plans to lower the cost of Ozempic for cash-paying patients. This move is expected to make weight loss treatments more accessible.
Wegovy’s expansion into the MASH market positions it as a unique solution for this progressive liver condition, complementing its existing benefits in diabetes and obesity treatment. The FDA approval paves the way for further research into Wegovy’s potential applications beyond cardiovascular risks reduction.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/18/novo-nordisk-shares-pop-5percent-after-wegovy-receives-us-approval-for-liver-disease.html