Wegovy wins UK approval to treat form of liver disease

Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk (NOVO: N)  has won conditional UK marketing authorization for Wegovy (semaglutide) in adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and moderate-to-advanced liver fibrosis, extending the GLP-1 drug beyond weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) decision makes Wegovy one of the first drug options in the UK for MASH, a progressive liver disease associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and abnormal lipid levels. The condition, formerly known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), occurs when fat build-up in the liver leads to inflammation and scarring, and can progress to cirrhosis or liver failure.