Reverse fatty liver with these 2 common drugs offering a safe, fast solution for MASLD

Scientists in Barcelona may have uncovered a groundbreaking approach to treating metabolic liver conditions using two widely available medicines. The study focuses on drug repurposing, a strategy that leverages existing medications for new therapeutic purposes, potentially accelerating treatment availability. Researchers found that pemafibrate, commonly used to manage cholesterol, and telmisartan, a blood pressure medication, could work together to reduce liver fat and prevent complications linked to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Preclinical studies in rats and zebrafish demonstrated that the combination not only lowered liver fat but also improved cholesterol and blood pressure levels. While human trials are still needed, this research highlights the potential for familiar, safe drugs to offer an effective solution for a widespread and often silent liver disease.


Understanding MASLD: The silent liver threat

MASLD is increasingly common, affecting nearly one in three adults, often without symptoms. This condition develops when excessive fat accumulates in the liver, increasing the risk of serious complications such as liver inflammation, fibrosis, and cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, current treatment options are limited, leaving patients with few effective strategies beyond lifestyle modifications.
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The recent Barcelona study, published in Pharmacological Research, suggests that combining two familiar drugs could offer a revolutionary alternative. Instead of developing entirely new medications—which can take years and carry significant risks—researchers explored the potential of existing drugs with proven safety profiles.


How repurposed drugs could slow liver damage

As reported by ScienceDaily, the research led by Marta Alegret at the University of Barcelona, the research team focused on drug repurposing, a method that leverages approved medications for new therapeutic purposes. Pemafibrate, commonly prescribed to manage cholesterol, and telmisartan, used for controlling blood pressure, were identified as prime candidates.

Since both medications have already passed rigorous safety assessments, they are particularly suitable for treating early-stage MASLD, a period when liver damage is reversible and symptoms are often minimal. This approach not only speeds up potential treatment availability but may also reduce the likelihood of adverse effects by using lower doses of each drug.


Animal research highlights dual benefits for liver and heart health

The study’s preclinical trials revealed encouraging results across multiple animal models:

• In rats, the combination of pemafibrate and telmisartan reduced liver fat as effectively as a high dose of either drug alone.
• Zebrafish larvae, a simpler model for liver research, exhibited similar improvements in fat metabolism.
• The drug duo also provided additional health benefits, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels—a dual advantage for metabolic health.
• Mechanistically, telmisartan was shown to restore PCK1 protein levels, which helps regulate fat metabolism in the liver.

These findings suggest that the combination may be both more effective and safer, potentially reducing side effects by allowing lower doses of each individual medication.


Human trials are needed to confirm the findings

While the results are highly promising, it’s important to note that these studies were conducted in animals. Human clinical trials will be essential to determine whether the benefits observed in rats and zebrafish can translate to real-world treatments for MASLD.

Researchers are particularly interested in testing the combination in advanced stages of the disease, where liver scarring (fibrosis) has begun. If successful, this could represent a major leap forward in liver disease management, providing patients with a widely accessible, repurposed solution.


The Barcelona study shines a hopeful light on the potential of repurposed medications in tackling one of today’s most prevalent liver conditions. By combining pemafibrate and telmisartan, researchers may have found a safer, faster, and highly effective approach to reducing liver fat and improving metabolic health. While human trials are still needed, these two familiar medicines could soon play a central role in the fight against MASLD.





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