In this interview, Dr Arun Sanyal (Virginia Commonwealth University, US) shares insights from the phase 3 ESSENCE trial examining semaglutide 2.4 mg for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 1,197 patients with biopsy-confirmed MASH and moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (stages 2-3). Participants received either once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo in a 2:1 ratio over 240 weeks. The interim analysis at week 72 examined the first 800 patients, focusing on two primary endpoints: resolution of steatohepatitis without worsening fibrosis, and reduction in liver fibrosis without worsening steatohepatitis.

Interview Questions:

1. What are the current unmet needs in MASH treatment that this trial addresses?
2. Can you walk us through the study design and patient population characteristics?
3. What are the most significant findings from this interim analysis?
4. How should these results influence clinical decision-making for patients with MASH?
5. What further research is needed, and what are the anticipated next steps in this field?

Editor: Jordan Rance
Video Specialist: David Ben-Harosh

Recorded remotely from Virginia, 2025.