An experimental drug called DT-109 has demonstrated the ability to reverse severe fatty liver disease (MASH) in animal studies by repairing the gut and preventing harmful toxins from damaging the liver.

The findings, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, highlight the potential of targeting the gut-liver axis to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious form of fatty liver disease affecting approximately 7% of the global population.

Researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School discovered that DT-109, a glycine-based tripeptide, interrupts a harmful biological process linking the gut and liver by reducing levels of Clostridium perfringens, a bacterium that produces ammonia.High ammonia levels damage the intestinal barrier, allowing harmful microbial products to enter the bloodstream and trigger liver inflammation.DT-109 restored gut barrier integrity, limiting the systemic translocation of ammonia and other pro-inflammatory substances.The study showed significant improvements in both mice and nonhuman primates, with the latter's liver biology more closely resembling humans.Beyond MASH, the compound may also address cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disorders.While further clinical trials are needed, the research offers a novel therapeutic avenue for conditions with limited treatment options.