Novo Nordisk to Showcase Wegovy® Research Findings at 2025 AASLD Annual Meeting
Novo Nordisk has officially announced its participation in the upcoming 76th Annual American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) congress, known as The Liver Meeting 2025, which is set to take place in Washington D.C. from November 7 to 11, 2025. This year, the company plans to present a total of 11 research abstracts, focusing on Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4 mg) and its impact on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
The abstracts will introduce critical findings from both clinical trials and real-world studies, particularly focusing on the association between weight loss and the progression of MASH. Martin Holst Lange, Chief Scientific Officer and EVP at Novo Nordisk, emphasized their ongoing commitment to enhancing health outcomes for chronic disease patients, stating, "The breadth and depth of our clinical trial program illustrates our abiding commitment to improve health outcomes for patients with serious chronic diseases, including MASH."
One of the main highlights will likely be the data derived from post-hoc analyses of the ESSENCE trial, which investigates how Wegovy® affects the severity of MASH while assessing its effectiveness across diverse populations. The insights provided by this research are expected to shed light on the clinical implications and benefits of semaglutide in managing weight loss among patients suffering from this serious condition.
The congress will feature multiple presentations, with various formats including poster and oral sessions. For instance, a notable poster presentation will focus on the prevalence of liver fibrosis and steatosis among patients diagnosed with MASH in the U.S. and Europe. Moreover, there will be discussions centered around the efficacy of combination treatments involving semaglutide alongside other therapeutic options in patients with compensated cirrhosis due to MASH.
The presentations aim not just to inform about clinical findings but also to address the challenges faced by those living with MASH, a progressive metabolic disease. Globally, over a third of individuals suffering from overweight or obesity are also affected by MASH, with an alarmingly high percentage of these patients living with comorbid conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Despite being asymptomatic in its initial stages, the advanced progression of MASH can lead to severe health complications, including liver failure and a higher mortality risk if not properly managed.
In conjunction with the presentations at AASLD, Novo Nordisk will also share real-world data about the advantages of non-invasive testing methods for assessing liver health. This is particularly important as many patients are undiagnosed until the disease has reached an advanced stage.
Semaglutide 2.4 mg, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), has already received FDA accelerated approval for treating adults with MASH with moderate to advanced fibrosis. It is intended to be used in tandem with lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity. The insights from the ongoing ESSENCE phase 3 trial will further clarify the drug’s impact, and its findings will be a focal point during the AASLD meeting.
Novo Nordisk, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark, has long been at the forefront of groundbreaking healthcare innovations. The company aims to defeat chronic diseases, especially those linked to metabolic disorders, through continuous research and the expansion of access to their medical solutions. With almost 80,000 employees operating in 170 countries, Novo Nordisk continues to be a pivotal player in global health, with a commitment to sustainable healthcare practices.
The anticipated presentations at The Liver Meeting 2025 are expected to enhance understanding of MASH, improve diagnostic and treatment pathways, and ultimately foster better outcomes for patients suffering from chronic liver diseases. By spotlighting Wegovy® and its clinical significance, Novo Nordisk is poised to lead crucial conversations about liver health management in clinical practices worldwide.