Semaglutide shows potential in treating MASH and reducing dementia risk signatures

New research indicates that semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for obesity and type 2 diabetes, may offer protective benefits for both liver and brain health.

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Medicine found that semaglutide more than doubled the likelihood of resolving metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) compared to a placebo. While the treatment significantly reduced liver inflammation and liver enzyme levels, researchers noted that it did not consistently result in the reversal of established liver fibrosis. The study highlighted that while semaglutide helps manage inflammation and weight, further long-term research is needed to address liver scarring.

Separately, a post hoc analysis of the SELECT phase 3 trial published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring suggests semaglutide may influence dementia risk. In older adults with overweight or obesity and cardiovascular disease, the drug attenuated the worsening of a blood-based proteomic signature associated with future dementia risk. This finding suggests that managing cardiometabolic factors through GLP-1 therapies could potentially impact biological pathways linked to cognitive decline.