Can Two Common Heart Drugs Help Reverse Fatty Liver Disease? (SEO-Optimized & Rephrased Version)
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) — previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) — has become the most common chronic liver condition worldwide, impacting nearly 40% of adults. If left untreated, it can progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure. Unfortunately, there are no widely approved medications to treat early-stage fatty liver disease.
A new study, however, has discovered that two common heart drugs might hold the key to reversing fat buildup in the liver. The findings could pave the way for a breakthrough fatty liver treatment if confirmed by future research.
🌍 The Growing Global Burden of MASLD
The prevalence of fatty liver disease has increased dramatically over the last few decades, now affecting almost 4 in 10 adults globally. Often called a “silent disease,” MASLD shows few symptoms in its early stages but can lead to life-threatening complications if ignored.
This condition is closely linked to heart disease, since both share similar root causes — such as poor dietary habits, insulin resistance, inflammation, and unhealthy fat storage.
Weight loss remains the most effective non-drug treatment for MASLD. Research shows that losing 3–5% of body weight can significantly reduce liver fat, while 10% weight loss can help reverse fibrosis. But for many, weight loss alone isn’t enough, leaving a major need for pharmacological solutions.
💊 Heart Drugs Show Promise Against Fatty Liver Disease
A groundbreaking study published in Pharmacological Research found that two existing cardiovascular medications — pemafibrate (a cholesterol-lowering drug) and telmisartan (a blood pressure medication) — significantly reduced liver fat accumulation in animal models.
The researchers suggest that repurposing these heart drugs could offer a new, accessible treatment for MASLD without the need to develop new compounds from scratch.
Dr. Marta Alegret, a pharmacology professor at the University of Barcelona, who co-authored the study, shared insights into their findings with Medical News Today.
🔬 Inside the Study: How the Research Was Conducted
To explore the potential benefits of these drugs, the researchers tested them in two models of hepatic steatosis — one in rats and another in zebrafish larvae (a common model due to their similar liver physiology to humans).
In the rat model:
- Rats were divided into five groups.
- One control group was fed a normal diet, while the rest received a high-fat, high-fructose diet.
- For one month, three of the high-fat diet groups received:
- 0.5 mg/kg/day of pemafibrate
- 10 mg/kg/day of telmisartan
- A combination of 0.25 mg/kg/day pemafibrate and 5 mg/kg/day telmisartan
At the end of the trial, liver and blood samples were analyzed for fat content and biochemical markers.
In the zebrafish model:
Zebrafish larvae were exposed to high-glucose or high-fructose diets, and telmisartan was added to their water. After five days, researchers observed a notable reduction in liver fat accumulation.
⚡ Combination Therapy Doubled the Benefits
In both models, pemafibrate and telmisartan individually reduced liver triglyceride levels. However, when combined at half doses, they achieved the same level of fat reduction as full-dose treatments — suggesting that low-dose combination therapy may be equally effective but safer.
Dr. Alegret explained:
“One of our key findings is that using half doses of pemafibrate and telmisartan together provides the same benefit as higher single-drug doses. This could reduce potential side effects while maintaining effectiveness.”
❤️ Why These Drugs Are Strong Candidates
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a cardiologist at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center, who was not involved in the study, commented on the safety of these medications:
“Pemafibrate is similar to fibrates, which help lower triglycerides, while telmisartan belongs to angiotensin II receptor blockers, used to treat hypertension. Both drugs have well-established safety profiles and are commonly used in cardiovascular care.”
Their widespread use and proven tolerability make them ideal candidates for drug repurposing, potentially speeding up the development of a new fatty liver treatment.
🧬 Next Steps: From Lab to Human Trials
While the early results are promising, Dr. Alegret emphasized that these findings are preliminary and must be validated in human trials.
“Our research alone cannot justify prescribing these drugs for MASLD. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness in patients,” she said.
Some smaller clinical studies have already shown improvements in liver health markers like the fatty liver index when using either pemafibrate or telmisartan. However, more extensive studies with biopsy or imaging-based endpoints are necessary to gain regulatory approval.
🌿 The Future of Fatty Liver Treatment
If larger human trials confirm these results, this drug combination could become a game-changing therapy for millions living with metabolic fatty liver disease.
Repurposing existing medications like pemafibrate and telmisartan offers a faster, cost-effective way to deliver new treatments — potentially transforming how doctors manage MASLD and related metabolic conditions.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Two heart medications — pemafibrate and telmisartan — may help reverse fatty liver disease.
- Their combination therapy at lower doses was as effective as full-dose single treatments.
- Repurposing heart drugs could accelerate new treatments for MASLD.
- Further clinical trials are required before human use is approved.
