New option offers hope for people with severe fatty liver disease
A new treatment option for people with severe fatty liver disease has been provisionally approved in Australia, marking an important step forward in the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved semaglutide (sold as Wegovy) for adults with non-cirrhotic MASH and moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (stages F2 to F3). The decision is based on evidence showing improvements in liver inflammation and scarring, with further studies required to confirm long-term benefits.
MASH is the progressive form of fatty liver disease and can lead to permanent liver damage, including cirrhosis. Many people are unaware they have the condition until it has already advanced.
Professor Jacob George, who led the study underpinning the TGA decision, said the disease is often diagnosed too late.
“MASH is too often diagnosed after significant liver damage has occurred,” he said.
“Today’s approval is a significant milestone for both healthcare professionals and patients, who now have a new medication option available.”
Liver Foundation CEO Sally Castle said the approval is a major breakthrough for people living with fatty liver disease.
“This is a really exciting step forward — it’s the first time our community has had a medicine specifically approved to treat this condition,” Ms Castle said.
“Until now, the only proven approach has been lifestyle changes. This medication has the potential to work alongside those changes and give people another option to support their liver health.”
She said the treatment could help more people intervene earlier, but warned access may be limited without government support.
“It has the potential to support earlier intervention for people with MASH, but cost is likely to be a barrier unless it is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme,” she said.
Fatty liver disease affects around 1 in 3 Australians and is closely linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions. Approximately one in 5 of these people will go on to develop MASH.
Research shows that losing just 5–10% of body weight can help reduce liver damage. Diet and lifestyle changes remain central to improving liver health.
The Liver Foundation’s Fatty Liver Diet provides practical, evidence-based guidance to help people make sustainable changes and support their liver health.
“Fatty liver disease is largely preventable and, in many cases, reversible,” Ms Castle said.
“Small, consistent changes can make a real difference.”
