Transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is a crucial central signaling molecule of hepatic cell death, inflammation and fibrogenesis through NF-κB and MAPK in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Its pharmacological inhibition using the TAK1 inhibitor HS-276 was tested in vivo in a murine model of diet-induced MASLD.

There is a growing consensus that alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) should be considered a metabolic disorder under the influence of the gut-liver axis. Metabolome data have highlighted fatty acid-activated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as the main affected pathways, where the relationship of G-protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) with ALD remains unexplored.

Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), a central mediator of triglyceride hydrolysis and fatty acid mobilization, modulates hepatic lipid homeostasis and metabolic signaling pathways that contribute to the activation of fibrogenic responses.

Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. secured a $1.26 billion deal with Eli Lilly and Co. to out-license ex-Korea rights to sonefpeglutide (HM-15912), a Lapscovery-based glucagon-like peptide-2 analog in development for multiple indications, including an ongoing phase II study of short bowel syndrome. It was one of two billion-dollar Asian company deals signed by Lilly on June 1, with the second transaction involving Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., of Beijing.

Although analysts liked the data – calling them “truly amazing” and “transformational” – Wall Street apparently had qualms about three cancer cases that turned up in phase III top-line data from the Abtect maintenance trial with obefazimod. Paris-based Abivax SA’s oral, first-in-class miRNA-124 enhancer performed well in adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC), but shares of (NASDAQ:ABVX) closed June 2 at $72.50, down 44%, or $57.19.

Alterations in PNPLA3, particularly the I148M variant, impair lipid metabolism in hepatocytes, leading to lipid accumulation and driving progression from steatosis to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Targeting this genetic driver may offer a strategy to reduce steatosis and limit disease progression.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is characterized by lipid accumulation in the liver and inflammation. Sterol O-acyltransferase 2 (SOAT2) is a key enzyme in intestinal absorption and hepatic secretion of cholesterol. PRD Therapeutics Inc. has developed PRD-001, a selective SOAT2 inhibitor currently in phase I trials for MASH.

Several presentations at EASL highlight a new generation of therapies coming into view, with the work from Tune Therapeutics Inc. standing out as one of the most relevant for the novelty it represents and the step forward it signals. The company is investigating the use of TUNE-401 as a potential treatment for hepatitis B.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) represents a public health threat that can lead to serious problems, such as bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome in children in up to 10%-15% of cases. Antibiotics that normally combat diarrhea are not recommended for STEC infections and patients are usually treated only for symptomatology. Now, French researchers from Eligo Bioscience SA and their collaborators have published a paper on a CRISPR-based antimicrobial approach, EB-003.