BMJ

SGLT2 inhibitor shows promise in treating MASH without worsening fibrosis

June 25, 2025

Dapagliflozin may offer a dual benefit in improving liver histology and metabolic parameters in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), supporting its potential role as a therapeutic option pending further validation in larger, diverse populations.

Study details: This multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin (10 mg daily for 48 weeks) in 154 adults with biopsy-confirmed MASH, with or without type 2 DM. The trial was conducted across six tertiary hospitals in China between 2018 and 2023.

Results: Dapagliflozin significantly improved MASH without worsening fibrosis in 53% of participants vs. 30% in the placebo group (risk ratio [RR], 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–2.58; P = 0.006). MASH resolution without fibrosis worsening occurred in 23% vs. 8% (RR, 2.91; P = 0.01), and fibrosis improvement without MASH worsening was seen in 45% vs. 20% (RR, 2.25; P = 0.001). The rate of treatment discontinuation was similar between groups (1% with dapagliflozin and 3% with placebo).

Source:

Lin J, et al. (2025, June 4). BMJ. Effect of dapagliflozin on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis: multicentre, double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40467095/