Madrigal Gets Conditional Nod for MASH Drug Rezdiffra in EU

Core Insights - Madrigal Pharmaceuticals (MDGL) received conditional marketing authorization from the European Commission for Rezdiffra (resmetirom) to treat adults with noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with moderate-to-advanced liver fibrosis [1][7] - Rezdiffra is the first and only therapy approved for MASH in the European Union, based on positive data from the pivotal phase III MAESTRO-NASH study [2][3] - The first European launch of Rezdiffra is anticipated in Q4 2025, starting in Germany, and it is already included as a first-line treatment in European MASH guidelines [3] Market Performance - Year-to-date, shares of Madrigal have increased by 23%, outperforming the industry average rise of 9.1% [4] - Despite the EU approval, MDGL stock fell by 3% on August 19 due to investor concerns over competition from Novo Nordisk's Wegovy [6][7] Competitive Landscape - Wegovy, a GLP-1 drug from Novo Nordisk, received accelerated approval from the FDA for treating noncirrhotic MASH, marking it as the first GLP-1 therapy approved for this condition [8][9] - Analysts suggest Wegovy's established safety profile and benefits in metabolic disease may position it as a preferred treatment for MASH, potentially impacting Rezdiffra's market position [9] Sales and Demand - Rezdiffra's commercial launch in the U.S. has shown strong initial demand, generating sales of $212.8 million in Q2 2025, a sequential increase of nearly 55% [11] - As of June 30, 2025, over 23,000 patients are currently receiving treatment with Rezdiffra [11]