MASH, or Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis, is a chronic liver disease. MASH is caused by the buildup of fat in the liver leading to inflammation and damage. If left untreated, MASH can cause scarring (fibrosis) and eventually cirrhosis can occur.
MASH is an advanced form of the common MASLD, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. About 20% of people with MASLD develop MASH. It is most common in people who are obese and/or have Type 2 diabetes. Cirrhosis is a late-stage condition characterized by the irreversible scarring (fibrosis) of the liver due to long-term, continuous damage. This progressive disease replaces healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, which obstructs the liver's ability to function properly.
MASH was previously known as NASH, or Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. In an effort to destigmatize the disease, researchers and medical professionals agree that MASH is a more accurate description. This name drives the focus to the metabolic origins of the disease rather than the nonalcoholic component.
During this time of transition between names, both NASH and MASH are acceptable and can be used interchangeably.
There is currently no approved treatment or therapy for MASH or MASLD but studies like ENLIGHTEN Cirrhosis are working to change that.
The ENLIGHTEN Cirrhosis study is a phase 3 clinical trial for people with fatty liver disease, otherwise known as MASH/NASH, studying the effectiveness and safety of the study medication, pegozafermin. This study is for people aged 18-75 who have been confirmed to have MASH/NASH with cirrhosis. Together, we aim to provide a potential treatment and reduce the risk of cirrhosis worsening.
You may be able to join the study if you meet the following requirements:
Age 18-75
Willing to undergo a biopsy of the liver to confirm MASH/NASH cirrhosis at screening and again after 2 years of treatment
Diagnosed with compensated cirrhosis due to MASH/NASH
Other study requirements will apply.
If you do not know whether you have compensated cirrhosis due to MASH, the study doctor can help you find out.
Participation in the ENLIGHTEN Cirrhosis study will last a minimum of 60 months (about 5 years) . Here is what you can expect if you enroll in the ENLIGHTEN Cirrhosis study:
Participation in a clinical study is voluntary. You can ask any questions you have and may leave the study at any time, for any reason.
Travel reimbursement may be available for participating in the study.
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Find a study clinic near you
Study Clinic LocationsPegozafermin is a research medication being developed to potentially decrease the inflammation and scarring of the liver that is caused by MASH/NASH. It is a lab-made version of a hormone that the body naturally produces to help process and store fats and sugars in the blood and organs. Researchers believe that pegozafermin may help the body manage fats and sugars better so less fat builds up in the liver.
Pegozafermin is investigational. This means that it is not approved by any health or regulatory agencies. It can only be used in clinical research.
If you join the study, you will be assigned at random to a group that receives pegozafermin or to a group that receives placebo. Placebo looks like pegozafermin but has no active drug, so researchers can compare results across groups.
You will have a 1 in 2 chance of being assigned to pegozafermin, neither you nor your study doctor will know your assignment.
Participants will be placed at random in 1 of 2 groups:
Investigational means the study medication is not approved by regulatory authorities like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and it can only be used in clinical research studies like ENLIGHTEN Cirrhosis.
Here are some common questions and answers about study participation.
Clinical research studies are designed to answer specific questions about the safety or effectiveness of investigational drugs, vaccines, other experimental approaches, or new ways of using existing treatments. Studies are important for medical advancement. Current treatments for diseases and conditions are available because of study volunteers, and what we learn from the ENLIGHTEN Cirrhosis study could help accelerate the development of new therapies and inform future research, which may help the MASH/NASH community in the future.
Before enrolling in a clinical trial, you must sign an Informed Consent Form (ICF). The ICF contains information about the study, including study goals, how long the study will last, benefits and risks, and the tests and procedures you will receive.
Study participation usually involves visiting a clinic regularly, taking or receiving an investigational medicine, and having assessments to monitor your health. You can still see your regular doctor, but you should let them know that you are participating in a study.
Participation in clinical research studies is your choice, and you may stop at any time.
If you have additional questions about participating in a clinical research study, contact a study clinic near you/talk to your doctor for additional information.
Use the filters, map, and listing to find the study clinic closest to you. Contact the study clinic to learn more.