Efruxifermin Shows Sustained Fibrosis Response in MASH
Clinical trial data reveals consistent liver fibrosis improvement in MASH patients treated with 50 mg of efruxifermin.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Diabetes
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Long-term data from the HARMONY and SYMMETRY trials show that 50 mg of efruxifermin significantly improves fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). These results, presented at the ACG meeting, demonstrate that clinical gains were maintained through 96 weeks of treatment.
Why it matters
The findings address the need for long-term therapeutic options for patients with MASH and advanced fibrosis or compensated cirrhosis. Sustained response rates are critical for preventing disease progression in this population.
In the HARMONY and SYMMETRY trials, 50 mg of efruxifermin produced superior fibrosis response rates compared to placebo over 96 weeks. Notably, 92% of patients who responded to the medication by week 24 maintained that clinical benefit through week 96.
The players
HARMONY trial
This clinical study evaluated the efficacy of efruxifermin in 126 patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and F2/F3 fibrosis.
SYMMETRY trial
This clinical study evaluated the efficacy of efruxifermin in 181 patients diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and compensated cirrhosis.
The details
Participants in the 126-patient HARMONY trial and 181-patient SYMMETRY trial received weekly subcutaneous injections of efruxifermin, which also improved liver stiffness measures. While gastrointestinal symptoms and administration site reactions occurred, the therapy demonstrated a consistent ability to hold improvements in liver health over the two-year study period.
Timeline
Baseline: Initial liver biopsies performed.
Week 24: Liver biopsies performed in HARMONY trial.
Week 36: Liver biopsies performed in SYMMETRY trial.
Week 96: Final liver biopsies and assessment of response.
October 2026: Study results presented at ACG meeting.
The Big Picture
These findings serve as a foundation for the Phase 3 trials of efruxifermin in MASH by demonstrating that therapeutic benefits in liver fibrosis can be reliably maintained over long durations. This progress marks a significant step in the clinical development of injectable treatments for advanced liver disease.
Patients dealing with MASH and related liver fibrosis may see new long-term treatment options emerging from these trial results as the drug advances through Phase 3 testing. Doctors and patients should discuss the potential for gastrointestinal side effects during subcutaneous administration.
The takeaway
These findings underscore the importance of monitoring liver response early in treatment, as most patients who show improvement by week 24 sustain those gains. The maintenance of fibrosis response over 96 weeks suggests a durable clinical impact for patients with severe liver conditions.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest clinical developments in Diabetes.
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