Promising new pill shrinks liver fat in NASH patients

NCT ID NCT02912260

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested an oral drug called MGL-3196 in 125 adults with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a fatty liver disease that can lead to scarring and liver failure. The main goal was to see if the drug could reduce liver fat measured by MRI after 12 weeks compared to a placebo. Results showed a significant decrease in liver fat for those taking MGL-3196, suggesting it may help control the disease.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: MGL-3196 (an oral drug)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a new treatment option for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious liver condition with no approved therapies.
What could go wrong: This is an early phase 2 trial with only 125 participants, so results may not hold up in larger studies. The drug may cause side effects or fail to improve long-term liver health.

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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.

NON-ALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Madrigal Research Site

Dothan, Alabama, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Tucson, Arizona, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Coronado, California, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Los Angeles, California, 90057, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Rialto, California, United States
Madrigal Research Site

San Diego, California, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Ventura, California, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Englewood, Colorado, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Boca Raton, Florida, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Lakewood Rch, Florida, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Miami, Florida, United States
Madrigal Research Site

New Port Richey, Florida, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Monroe, Louisiana, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Jackson, Mississippi, 39202, United States
Madrigal Research Site

St Louis, Missouri, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Madrigal Research Site

New York, New York, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Durham, North Carolina, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Rapid City, South Dakota, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Live Oak, Texas, 78233, United States
Madrigal Research Site

San Antonio, Texas, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
Madrigal Research Site

Seattle, Washington, United States

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