Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk's semaglutide (brand name: Wegovy) has received accelerated approval from the FDA for a new indication to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASH), enhancing its position in the metabolic disease market [3][4]. Group 1: Company Developments - The FDA's approval marks semaglutide as the first and only GLP-1 drug officially approved for improving fatty liver [3]. - Novo Nordisk's recent studies indicate that semaglutide (2.4mg) combined with appropriate diet and exercise can significantly improve the condition of patients with fatty liver and moderate to severe liver fibrosis compared to a placebo [3][4]. Group 2: Industry Trends - Fatty liver has replaced viral hepatitis as the leading chronic liver disease in China, closely linked to obesity and diabetes, both of which are on the rise [4]. - A report published in The Lancet highlights a significant shift in the causes of liver cancer globally, with metabolic dysfunction-related fatty liver disease (MASLD) and MASH emerging as important contributors, accelerated by obesity and diabetes [4]. - The proportion of liver cancer cases related to MASH is projected to increase from 8% in 2022 to 11% by 2050, representing a 35% rise, particularly in developed countries [4].

Group 1 - GLP-1 drugs are gaining attention for their potential in treating fatty liver disease, with Novo Nordisk's semaglutide (brand name: Wegovy) recently receiving accelerated approval from the FDA for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASH) [1] - Novo Nordisk's research indicates that semaglutide (2.4mg), combined with appropriate diet and exercise, can significantly improve the condition of patients with fatty liver and moderate to severe liver fibrosis compared to placebo [1] - This approval marks semaglutide as the first and only GLP-1 drug officially approved for improving fatty liver, and the second drug approved by the FDA for treating fatty liver, following Madrigal Pharmaceuticals' resmetirom [1] Group 2 - Fatty liver has become the leading chronic liver disease in China, surpassing viral hepatitis, with obesity and metabolic syndrome identified as primary causes of liver function abnormalities [2] - The prevalence of fatty liver is closely linked to obesity and diabetes, both of which are on the rise in China, suggesting an increasing trend in fatty liver cases [2] - A report published in The Lancet highlights that metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) and MASH are emerging as significant causes of liver cancer, with the proportion of liver cancer cases related to MASH expected to increase from 8% in 2022 to 11% by 2050, a 35% rise [2]