A new study from the University of Barcelona shows that combining two existing drugs—pemafibrate and telmisartan—can significantly reduce liver fat in animal models of fatty liver disease.
How the drug combination works in preclinical models
Researchers led by Professor Marta Alegret tested pemafibrate, which lowers blood fat and telmisartan, a blood pressure medication, on rats and zebrafish fed unhealthy diets. The combination reduced liver fat more effectively than either drug alone, with half doses of each working as well as a full dose of either drug individually.
Why researchers chose existing medications for this approach
The team focused on drugs already approved for other conditions due to the fact that they have established safety profiles in humans, which is critical for early-stage treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Both drugs are currently in use: pemafibrate in Japan and telmisartan worldwide.
What the findings imply for future human treatment
While the results are promising, Alegret emphasized that clinical trials in humans are necessary to confirm whether the benefits observed in animals translate to patients. The researchers also plan to study whether the combination affects liver fibrosis and cardiovascular risks like atherosclerosis.
What is MASLD and why is it significant?
MASLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver, often linked to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, and can progress to severe liver damage or heart disease.
Why test drugs already on the market for new uses?
Repurposing existing medications accelerates development because their safety profiles are well understood, reducing the risk and time required for clinical trials compared to entirely new compounds.
