Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Treatment Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Ongoing clinical research and trials: R&D initiatives from both governmental, industrial, and academic institutions are evolving the existing pathways in the market. They are discovering new targets and diagnostic methods to bring better precision and efficacy in medications. On this note, in January 2023, researchers at Mount Sinai identified 68 unique interaction pairs in scarred liver cells of candidates with NAFLD. Further, with the use of single-nuclear sequencing and 3D glass imaging, they established promising results from NTF3-NTRK3 blocking molecules in combating NASH fibrosis. Moreover, such deep explorations are helping the sector expand its product portfolio.

• Advancements in therapeutics development: As consumers shift towards personalized therapies, the cohort of drug development in the market is gaining traction. This is fuelling the emergence of novel medicines with better response rates and safety profiles. For instance, in November 2023, Ipsen, in collaboration with GENFIT, achieved a milestone in a novel, first-in-class, dual PPAR α, δ agonist for treating primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and preventing NASH. The results from the phase III ELATIVE trial proved the efficacy and safety of investigational elafibranor in attaining a 51% biochemical response, 47% higher than placebo.

Challenges

• Difficulties in formulation of the drugs: The development of drugs in the market is tedious since liver fibrosis develops slowly and gradually over many years or decades. The level of benefit from lifetime treatment must be weighed against the drug's long-term safety profile, which may cause a delay in regulatory approvals. In addition, NASH patients are susceptible to other illnesses, creating a risk of developing cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, metabolic disease, and diabetes from therapies. Thus, it becomes a complicated and elongated process, increasing financial and commercial pressure on manufacturers.