China Approves Weight Loss Drug Wegovy for Fatty Liver Disease Treatment

Chinese authorities have approved Wegovy, a drug based on semaglutide, for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a type of fatty liver disease. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, stated this marks the first time a GLP-1 receptor agonist has received approval for this indication in China, expanding the drug's use beyond weight loss.

MASH is an inflammatory and advanced form of metabolic fatty liver disease, characterized by fat accumulation, inflammation, and potential scarring of the liver. It is closely linked to metabolic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol, and can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. The drug Wegovy works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, primarily used for obesity treatment.

Recent data suggests semaglutide's benefits extend beyond weight reduction. The Chinese approval follows a similar decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2025, which approved Wegovy for adults with MASH and moderate to advanced fibrosis. Clinical trial data supporting the U.S. approval showed MASH resolution without worsening liver scarring in approximately 63% of Wegovy patients compared to 34% in the placebo group.

While the Chinese approval is not a direct authorization for use or funding in Israel, it reflects a global trend of utilizing GLP-1 drugs for metabolic complications associated with obesity, not just for weight management or diabetes control. This development is particularly significant for MASH patients, as the disease can progress silently for years before causing severe liver damage.