Zapping the brain to heal the liver: new trial tests TMS for fatty liver

NCT ID NCT07399600

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

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can reduce liver fat in people with alcohol-related fatty liver disease (MetALD). 105 participants will receive either personalized rTMS, standard rTMS, or a sham (placebo) treatment over 20 sessions. The goal is to see if targeting a deep brain reward center can improve liver health.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a non-invasive, drug-free way to reduce liver fat and improve metabolic health in people with alcohol-related fatty liver disease.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage trial with only 105 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment is experimental, and its long-term benefits or risks are not yet known.

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

  • The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University

    Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China

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