Resmetirom is an approved drug for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, without cirrhosis.
Tradename Rezdiffra.
AN oral drug that reduces the accumulation of liver fat, and can be used along with diet and exercise, which are the standings treatments for patients with NASH
It is a selective agonist of thyroid hormone receptor beta, which increases hepatic fat metabolism, and reduces lipotoxicity.
Thyroid hormone receptor beta (THR – beta), agonist reverses steatosis by improving hepatic conversion of T4 to T3, and enhancing mitochondrial function.
THR beta Resmetirom can activate, the major thyroid hormone receptor isoform in the liver, kidneys, pituitary, and brain while avoiding thyroid hormone receptor, alpha related side effects in the heart and bones.
In a trial of 966, participants 26 to 30% of patients who took the drug had resolution of NASH compared with about 10% in a placebo group over 1year.
About 25% of those taking resmetirom had reduced risk of scarring compared to 14% in a placebo group.
Common side effects include diarrhea, and nausea.