Future treatments for MASLD
MASLD is a common condition where fat builds up in the liver. It is often linked to being overweight and conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The information on this page is for:
- Adults with MASLD or at risk of MASLD.
- Family, friends, carers, and healthcare professionals.
MASLD can also affect children and young people. See our information for parents and families.
On this page:
Future treatments
Researchers are testing many new medicines for MASLD. Some look promising, but none have been approved in the UK yet. However, there is a good chance they will be in the near future.
Treatments being tested for MASLD include:
Resmetirom
Resmetirom is a new medicine designed to treat people with advanced liver scarring (fibrosis). It can reduce the amount of fat in the liver. This reduces inflammation and slows down scarring (fibrosis).
Resmetirom is not currently available in the UK but is now being reviewed by NICE. This is the organisation that decides which medicines can be used in the NHS. This means it may become available in the UK. It has already been approved in the USA and European Union.
A clinical trial in 2024 showed that Resmetirom improves liver inflammation and reduces scarring (fibrosis) in people with advanced liver scarring (fibrosis). These results are encouraging. However, more research is needed to confirm its long-term safety and effectiveness.
GLP-1 medicines
Also known as: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists / GLP-1 receptor agonists / GLP-1 medicines
GLP-1 medicines have gained media attention as “weight loss injections” or “skinny jabs”. They mimic a natural hormone which helps control blood sugar levels and appetite. They can:
- trigger your body to make more insulin
- reduce the amount of sugar made by your liver
- slow down digestion
- reduce appetite
Together these effects often lead to weight loss. Research also shows that these effects can reduce liver fat, inflammation and fibrosis.
Who can use them?
Currently, GLP-1 medicines are only approved in the UK for people with:
- type 2 diabetes, and/or
- obesity.
They are not currently approved for MASLD. However, they can reduce liver fat and inflammation in those with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
A GLP-1 medicine called Semaglutide is currently being reviewed by NICE. This is the organisation that decides which medicines can be used in the NHS. This means it may become available in the UK in the near future.
Important safety information
- GLP-1 medicines can only be prescribed by a doctor or prescribing pharmacist or nurse.
- GLP-1 medicines can be prescribedprivately in the UK, but only after consultation with a healthcare professional.
- GLP-1 medicines are only prescribed for approved uses, not for MASLD.
- Like all medicines, they can have side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
- It is important to make lifestyle changes alongside the use of GLP-1 medicines.
- Never buy GLP-1 medicines from unregulated sellers, like beauty salons or social media.
GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know
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This content was last reviewed: July 2026
Our expert reviewers:
We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including Dr Jeremy Cobbold, Consultant Hepatologist, Oxford University Hospitals, Professor Stuart McPherson, Consultant Hepatologist, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals and Dr Helen Jarvis, GP, Newcastle University. And all our patient reviewers.
Find out how we make our patient information.
Everyone’s experience of liver disease will be different. Always talk to your specialist medical team for personal advice.
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