Experimental Drug Reverses Severe Fatty Liver Disease in Animal Studies
A Michigan Medicine compound, DT‑109, reversed MASH in mice and primates by repairing gut barriers.
Key facts
- DT‑109 is a glycine‑based tripeptide developed at Michigan Medicine.
- The drug lowered Clostridium perfringens and ammonia in the gut.
- It strengthened the intestinal lining and reduced harmful microbial products reaching the liver.
- Treatment reversed metabolic dysfunction‑associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in mice and nonhuman primates.
- Eugene Chen, senior author, said DT‑109 protects the gut epithelial barrier and has potential as a MASH therapy.
According to ScienceDaily, metabolic dysfunction‑associated steatohepatitis (MASH) affects about 7% of the world’s population and can progress to cirrhosis, cancer, and liver failure.
ScienceDaily reports that DT‑109 works by reducing harmful gut bacteria, protecting the intestinal lining, and preventing inflammatory substances from reaching the liver.
In animal studies, DT‑109 lowered levels of Clostridium perfringens and ammonia in the intestines, which strengthened the gut barrier and limited the movement of toxins into the bloodstream.
The compound reversed MASH in both mice and nonhuman primates, according to the study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Eugene Chen, senior author, said the drug shows benefits to the gastrointestinal system and has great potential as a treatment for MASH.
Context
MASH is a severe form of fatty liver disease that causes inflammation and cellular damage in the liver. It can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. The disease is difficult to manage and effective therapies are limited.
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