Bone drugs may double as liver fat fighters — a trial puts them to the test

NCT ID NCT05493761

First seen Jul 23, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial investigates whether two common osteoporosis medications, denosumab and alendronate, can reduce liver fat and scarring in postmenopausal women who also have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study will compare changes in liver fat and stiffness over 12 months in women receiving either drug. If denosumab proves effective, it could offer a new treatment avenue for NAFLD, a condition with no approved medications.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
denosumab or alendronate (anti-osteoporosis medications)
What this could lead to
If denosumab reduces liver fat and fibrosis, it could point toward a new use for an existing osteoporosis drug in treating NAFLD.
What could go wrong
This is a small, non-randomized study, so results may not be conclusive. Denosumab can cause side effects like bone or joint pain, and its effect on the liver is still uncertain.

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

Locations

  • 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School, of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

    Thessaloniki, 56403, Greece

  • 424 General Military Hospital

    Thessaloniki, 56429, Greece

  • Department of Endocrinology, "Hippokration" General Hospital of Thessaloniki

    Thessaloniki, 54642, Greece

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