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canadian liver foundation: fatty liver disease treatment approved in u.s. signals new era for canadians

the canadian liver foundation (clf) is closely monitoring developments related to rezdiffra (resmetirom), recognizing its future potential to open new avenues of treatment for patients across canada.

by canadian liver foundation

published apr 18, 2024

3 minute read

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according to a study by the canadian nash network (2022), the frequency of fatty liver disease is projected to increase by 20 per cent through 2030. getty images

in a groundbreaking development set to impact the medical landscape, madrigal pharmaceuticals announced the official release of its highly anticipated drug, rezdiffra, in the united states. the move follows the recent u.s. food and drug administration (fda) approval of rezdiffra, marking a significant advancement for individuals suffering from severe cases of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (mash), formerly non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (nash), a form of fatty liver disease. as the first medication designed specifically to target mash, rezdiffra represents a pivotal milestone in the medical community, offering new hope for patients not only in the united states but also extending to canada and beyond.

the accelerated approval for rezdiffra (scientifically termed resmetirom), in conjunction with diet and exercise for the treatment of adults, signals a turning point in the battle against mash, particularly for those confronting moderate-to-advanced liver scarring (fibrosis). the canadian liver foundation (clf) is closely monitoring developments related to rezdiffra, recognizing its future potential to open new avenues of treatment for patients across canada. the clf’s support for innovative treatments stems from our commitment to bringing liver research to life and enhancing both outcomes and quality of life for those affected by liver diseases.

mash, characterized by excess build-up of fat in the liver leading to inflammation and fibrosis, is the severe progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (masld), formerly known as non-2022年世界杯预选赛阿根廷 liver disease. in canada, fatty liver disease affects approximately one in four canadians, or roughly nine million people, while mash impacts almost 1.5 million people in this country, with both forms of the disease on the rise. according to a study by the canadian nash network (2022), the frequency of fatty liver disease is projected to increase by 20 per cent through 2030, while cases of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) related to mash are expected to see a 65 per cent increase in the next decade.

the approval of rezdiffra for patients with fibrosis that has progressed to stage 2 or 3 in severity represents a promising advancement in addressing this pressing medical need. by targeting patients with moderate-to-advanced liver scarring, this medication aims to mitigate the progression of mash and reduce the risk of complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. moreover, the approval of rezdiffra underscores the evolving landscape of mash diagnosis and treatment. in future, diagnostic practices may evolve to prioritize the assessment of liver scarring, enabling healthcare professionals to identify eligible patients more efficiently.

currently, the timeline for rezdiffra’s approval in canada remains uncertain. canadian regulatory bodies, including health canada, conduct thorough reviews to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of medications before they are made available to patients.

while welcoming innovative treatments, the clf emphasizes prevention as the most effective strategy against mash. nevertheless, the fda’s approval of rezdiffra offers hope for mash patients worldwide, reaffirming the potential of innovative therapies to address unmet medical needs. by meeting rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness in the u.s., rezdiffra paves the way for a new era in mash treatment, promising better outcomes for individuals with liver disease. for canadians impacted by mash, the approval of rezdiffra holds the prospect of improved healthcare and treatment options here too. as access to rezdiffra broadens, patients may benefit from earlier and more targeted interventions.

as we navigate the evolving landscape of mash and fatty liver disease management, the clf remains committed to promoting liver health and reducing the incidence and impact of liver disease. with further insights gained from ongoing research and clinical trials, we remain optimistic about the potential of rezdiffra and other emerging treatments to reduce liver-related mortality and improve quality of life for those living with liver disease.