"Breakthrough Liver Disease Drug Marks New Era in Biopharma Innovation"
The FDA has approved Madrigal Pharmaceuticals' drug "Rezdiffra" for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a common and serious liver disease affecting millions of Americans. The approval marks a significant milestone as it is the first-ever treatment for NASH, with a price tag of $47,400 per year. This decision opens the door for other companies developing NASH treatments, and several biotech firms are currently studying experimental drugs for the condition. Additionally, the use of GLP-1s, including Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound, in treating NASH is being closely watched, as they could potentially dominate the market. The approval of Rezdiffra without the need for a liver biopsy could accelerate and broaden patient access to NASH treatments.