Research Study on Whether a Combination of 2 Medicines (NNC0194 0499 and Semaglutide) Works in People With Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Summary

This study is being done to see if a combination of 2 medicines (called NNC0194-0499 and semaglutide) can reduce liver damage in patients with non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NNC0194-0499 is a new medicine which works in the liver. Semaglutide is a well-known medicine, which is already used by doctors to treat type 2 diabetes in many countries. It also helps with weight loss and may reduce liver damage, and so prevent future liver complications. It works in a different way to NNC0194 0499. The 2 medicines may work better together than on their own. The study will also look at a combination of semaglutide and another weight-loss medicine called NNC0174-0833, which may be another treatment option for NASH. Each week, participants will get 2 injections. These could be 2 of the 3 medicines OR 1 of the medicines and a placebo OR 2 placebo injections. Which treatment participants get is decided by chance. A placebo is a dummy medicine which looks like the real medicine but doesn't contain any active medicine. The study will last for about 19 months. Participants will have 14 clinic visits and 9 phone calls with the study doctor. Participants will have 1 or 2 liver biopsies (tiny pieces of liver tissue) - one at the start (if participants have not had a biopsy recently) and one at the end of the study treatment. Women: Women cannot take part if pregnant, breast-feeding or planning to become pregnant during the study period.

Timeline

Start

2021-08-31

Primary completion

2024-12-17

Completion

2025-03-14

Publications

• Loomba R, George J, Castera L, Francque S, Lawitz E, Shoeb A, Clausen JO, Andersen B, Larsen AB, Gluud LL. Efficacy and safety of zalfermin co-administered with semaglutide in participants with fibrosis and cirrhosis due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis: a phase 2, dose-ranging, double-blind, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2026 Jul 15:S2468-1253(26)00123-8. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(26)00123-8. Online ahead of print.

Drugs

Indications