A drug called DT-109 reversed severe fatty liver disease in animal studies by restoring gut health. It reduced harmful gut bacteria and strengthened the intestinal barrier to stop inflammatory substances reaching the liver.
01Summary
- 01The drug DT-109 reduced levels of Clostridium perfringens bacteria and ammonia production in the intestines of mice and nonhuman primates.
- 02In nonhuman primates, DT-109 lessened liver inflammation and reduced the severity of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
- 03MASH affects about 7% of the world's population and can progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer or liver failure.
- 04The study was led by researchers at Michigan Medicine and published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation.
- 05Previous research suggests DT-109 may also reduce atherosclerotic plaques and prevent vascular calcification.
02Why it matters
This matters because MASH currently has limited treatment options, and a therapy that acts on the gut rather than the liver could offer a new approach. The drug's potential to also treat cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease could widen its impact.
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