Could a cholesterol drug protect heavy Drinkers' livers?

NCT ID NCT04781322

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 21, 2026 · Updated 4 times

Summary

This early-stage trial is testing whether alirocumab, a drug approved for high cholesterol, is safe for heavy drinkers and might reduce liver inflammation. One hundred healthy adults who drink heavily will receive either alirocumab or a placebo injection over 8 weeks. Researchers will monitor side effects, liver health, and drinking behavior.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Alirocumab (a drug that lowers cholesterol by blocking a protein called PCSK9)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a treatment to reduce liver inflammation and damage in heavy drinkers.
What could go wrong: This is an early Phase 1 safety study with only 100 people, so it may not show clear benefits. The drug is not proven for alcohol-related liver issues and may have side effects.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcoholic liver disease fatty liver disease Inflammation

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALCOHOL-ASSOCIATED LIVER DISEASE HEAVY DRINKING BEHAVIOR

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITING

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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