Could a malaria drug melt liver fat? new trial investigates

NCT ID NCT07679542

First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether dihydroartemisinin, a drug used for malaria, can safely reduce liver fat in adults with Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). About 30 participants aged 18 to 45 will take the drug three times daily for 12 weeks. The main goal is to measure changes in liver fat using MRI scans.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

dihydroartemisinin

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a new treatment option for metabolic fatty liver disease using a well-known malaria drug.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase proof-of-concept study with no control group, so results may not be conclusive. The drug's effectiveness for liver fat reduction is unproven.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029

    RECRUITING

    Nanjing, Jiangsu, China

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••