Fatty liver disease, now called Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), affects nearly 40% of adults worldwide—and the numbers are climbing fast. Often silent in its early stages, MASLD can progress to life-threatening conditions like cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated.
But here’s the hopeful twist: researchers have discovered that a combination of two common heart drugs might actually reverse fat buildup in the liver, offering a potential breakthrough for millions.
A Surprising Discovery
A recent study published in Pharmacological Research found that pemafibrate, a drug used to lower blood lipids, and telmisartan, a common blood pressure medication, significantly reduced liver fat when used together.
In experiments using rats and zebrafish, scientists at the University of Barcelona observed that this drug duo not only decreased fat accumulation but did so at half the normal dosage—reducing potential side effects.
Dr. Marta Alegret, the study’s lead author, explained:
“We demonstrated that telmisartan and pemafibrate, alone or combined, effectively reduce liver lipid levels. What’s exciting is that the combination, even at low doses, worked just as well as using either drug alone.”
This could mean a new, safer way to treat fatty liver disease in the future.
Why Fatty Liver Disease Matters
MASLD—previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease—is closely linked to unhealthy diets, obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Many people don’t know they have it until it’s advanced.
Doctors say that losing just 5–10% of body weight can help reverse early stages of the condition, but for those who struggle with weight loss or lifestyle changes, effective drug treatments have been limited.
That’s where this new discovery could make a huge difference. Since both pemafibrate and telmisartan are already widely used and considered safe for heart conditions, repurposing them could speed up clinical trials and lower development costs.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a U.S.-based cardiologist, told Medical News Today:
“Developing new drugs is expensive and risky. But repurposing drugs that have already proven safe for other uses could lead to faster, more cost-effective treatments for diseases like MASLD.”
How the Combination Works
The two drugs attack liver fat from different angles:
- Pemafibrate boosts the body’s ability to break down lipids.
- Telmisartan helps block fat synthesis in the liver while lowering blood pressure.
Together, they deliver a double punch—reducing fat storage while improving metabolic health.
What Comes Next
While these results are promising, researchers caution that the findings are still in the early stages. Human trials are needed to confirm whether the same effects occur outside of the lab.
Dr. Alegret noted:
“Our results are encouraging, but we can’t yet recommend these drugs for treating MASLD until larger clinical studies are done.”
Still, some early clinical reports already suggest improvements in liver health markers with either drug alone, raising hopes that combination therapy could soon offer a real-world solution.
The Bottom Line
With MASLD now affecting over one-third of adults globally, this discovery could mark a turning point in liver disease management. If proven effective in humans, this heart drug duo could become a low-cost, readily available treatment for millions at risk.
Until then, experts remind everyone that healthy eating, regular exercise, and maintaining a balanced weight remain the best defense against fatty liver disease.
Have you or someone you know struggled with fatty liver disease? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below — and don’t forget to follow for more updates on breakthrough medical research!
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