Resmetirom for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Resmetirom is currently in clinical development for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is caused by an accumulation of fat in the liver that results in inflammation and damage to the liver. It belongs to a class of diseases known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); it is an advanced form of the disease. The persistent inflammation may lead to the formation of scar tissue around the liver and associated blood vessels. If neglected, it can get worse to the point where the liver shrinks and develops lumps and scars; this irreversible damage can result in liver failure (when the liver stops functioning normally) and liver cancer. The early stage of NAFLD may have no symptoms, but as the liver damage gets worse the following symptoms may present, fatigue, weight loss, general weakness, and an ache in the upper right part of the belly. Risk factors of NASH include obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglyceride, and metabolic syndrome. There are currently no approved medicinal products for the treatment of NASH, but healthy lifestyle choices and dietary changes are recommended.