Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Aug 16: Novo Nordisk A/S’s weight-loss drug Wegovy has received FDA approval to treat a serious form of liver disease, giving the company a first-mover advantage over rival Eli Lilly & Co. in the US market.

The drug is cleared for adults with metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) who have moderate to advanced liver scarring. The condition affects roughly 6% of US adults—about 14.9 million people, according to the FDA. Wegovy is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise.

The approval strengthens Novo Nordisk’s position in the GLP-1 drug market, already popular for weight loss, and could help expand its reach amid growing competition from rival drugs and cheaper copycats. Following the announcement, Novo’s American depositary receipts rose 6%, while Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, developing treatments for the same condition, fell about 6.5%.

MASH occurs when fat builds up in the liver, causing inflammation and potentially leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer. In clinical trials, Wegovy improved liver fibrosis in 37% of patients compared with 22% on placebo, while nearly twice as many patients saw inflammation resolve.

Martin Holst Lange, Novo’s Chief Scientific Officer, said about one in three overweight or obese individuals are affected by MASH. He added that Wegovy not only halted disease activity but also helped reverse liver damage in patients.