New drug shows promise for fatty liver – but early days

NCT ID NCT04006145

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Albireo Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested elobixibat, a drug that blocks bile acid absorption in the gut, in 47 adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or its more severe form NASH. Participants received either elobixibat or a placebo for 16 weeks. The main goal was to see if the drug lowered LDL cholesterol. Researchers also tracked side effects. Results are not yet published.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: elobixibat
What this could lead to: If successful, elobixibat could offer a new way to lower cholesterol and improve liver health in people with fatty liver disease.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 47 participants. The main focus is on cholesterol levels, not long-term liver outcomes, so benefits may not be clear.

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.

metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

NAFLD NASH

Contacts and locations

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Locations

American Research Corporation at the Texas Liver Institute

San Antonio, Texas, 78215, United States
Guardian Angel Research Center, Inc.

Tampa, Florida, 33614, United States
Hope Clinical Research

Canoga Park, California, 91303, United States
Inland Empire Clinical Trials, LLC

Rialto, California, 92377, United States
Integrity Clinical Research, LLC

Doral, Florida, 33166, United States
Mercy Medical Center

Baltimore, Maryland, 21202, United States
Nature Coast Clinical Research

Inverness, Florida, 34452, United States
Peak Gastroenterology Associates

Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80907, United States
University of Washington

Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States
Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Virginia, 23298, United States

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