Merck's efinopegdutide shows strong MASH resolution in phase 2b trial

Merck & Co. reported results from a phase 2b trial (MK-6024-013) evaluating efinopegdutide, a GLP-1 and glucagon receptor co-agonist, in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and stage F2-F3 fibrosis.

The study enrolled 386 participants who received one of three doses of efinopegdutide (4 mg, 7 mg, 10 mg) or placebo. At 52 weeks, MASH resolution was achieved in 56 % of the 4 mg group, 63 % of the 7 mg group, and 61 % of the 10 mg group, compared with 13 % on placebo.

Improvements in fibrosis were also observed, with response rates of 43 %, 52 % and 34 % for the three dose levels versus 21 % for placebo, indicating that the drug can improve liver scarring without worsening disease.

A secondary arm of the trial included patients treated with Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide 2.4 mg, where 53 % achieved MASH resolution, providing a comparative benchmark for efinopegdutide’s performance.