Merck’s MASH drug efinopegdutide succeeds in mid-stage trial
Merck reports that its experimental drug efinopegdutide successfully treated MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) in a mid-stage clinical trial. The drug outperformed a placebo by helping clear the liver disease in over half of the tested patients without worsening liver scarring.
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Clinical Trial Results
Merck revealed data from its phase 2b trial involving 386 patients with MASH and stage F2 or F3 fibrosis. Participants received one of three doses of efinopegdutide or a placebo for 52 weeks. The trial met its primary endpoint, showing MASH resolution in 56% to 63% of patients across the different doses, compared to 13% for the placebo arm.
Drug Mechanism and Context
Efinopegdutide is a subcutaneously injected co-agonist targeting both GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. Merck included a research arm using Novo Nordisk's semaglutide, where 53% achieved MASH resolution. Merck originally licensed the drug from Hanmi Pharmaceutical in 2020 after it passed through Johnson & Johnson's pipeline.
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