Can a malaria drug tame fatty liver? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT07265297

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This Phase 3 trial tests whether hydroxychloroquine, a drug used for malaria and autoimmune diseases, can improve nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a type of fatty liver with inflammation. 210 adults with confirmed fatty liver and elevated liver enzymes will take either 200 mg, 400 mg of HCQ, or a placebo daily for one year. The main goal is to see if HCQ lowers liver inflammation markers.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
hydroxychloroquine
What this could lead to
If it works, this could provide a new treatment option for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a common liver condition with no approved therapies.
What could go wrong
This is a Phase 3 trial, but hydroxychloroquine has known side effects like eye damage and heart rhythm issues. The study is relatively small (210 people) and may not show clear benefit over placebo.

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.

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

  • National Taiwan University Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Taipei, Taiwan, Taiwan

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

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