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Home › Conditions › Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Part of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

26 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

70 trials tracked for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: 6 in phase 3 or 4 and 4 with published results. The most-cited published study has 988 citations.

70Trials tracked
6Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
4With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 3 Phase 3 3 Phase 2 33 Phase 1 7 Other / NA 24
  1. Phase 4 University of Texas H.S.C. San Antonio Pioglitazone in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Trial (UTHSCSA NASH Trial) Completed · 988 cited
  2. Phase 4 Treatment of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease With n-3 Fatty Acids Completed · 309 cited
  3. Phase 3 Role of Exenatide in NASH-a Pilot Study Completed · 107 cited
  4. Phase 3 Treating PCOS With Semaglutide vs Active Lifestyle Intervention Completed
  5. Phase 4 Adding Exenatide to Insulin Therapy for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Completed
  6. Phase 3 Study to Investigate the Effects of Different Doses of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) in Subjects With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Non-treated Matched Healthy Volunteers as Control Group Completed
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 2 Phase 2a, Dose-ranging Study With PF-05221304 in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Completed
  2. Phase 2 The Effect Of NS-0200 Versus Placebo On Hepatic Fat Content In Patients With Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Completed
  3. Phase 2 Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analog to Improve Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Associated Cardiovascular Risk Completed
  4. Phase 2 A Study of IDN-6556 in Subjects With NAFLD and Raised Transaminases Completed
  5. Phase 2 Study of Pharmacodynamics and Safety of DGAT2i and ACCi Coadministered in Participants With Sponsor-defined Presumed Non Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Completed
  6. Phase 2 Safety And Efficacy Study Of Orally Administered Epeleuton In Patients With NAFLD Completed
  7. Phase 2 ORION: Effects of Cenicriviroc on Insulin Sensitivity in Subjects With Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Suspected NAFLD Completed
  8. Phase 2 Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Saroglitazar Mg 4 mg in Liver Transplant Recipients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Completed
  9. Phase 2 Saroglitazar Magnesium in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and/or Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Completed
  10. Phase 2 A Phase 2 Study of Elobixibat in Adults With NAFLD or NASH Completed
  11. Phase 2 Open-Label Study To Evaluate MN-001 on HDL & Triglyceride in NASH & NAFLD Subjects Completed
  12. Phase 2 Study of Losartan in the Treatment of NAFLD in Children Completed
  13. Phase 2 A Study of Efinopegdutide (MK-6024) in Participants With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) (MK-6024-001) Completed
  14. Phase 2 Helicobacter Pylori Eradication in Non-diabetic Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis Completed
  15. Phase 2 The Impact of Ibutamoren on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Completed
  16. Phase 2 Different Doses of BI 1467335 Compared to Placebo in Patients With Clinical Evidence of NASH Completed
  17. Phase 2 CLINICAL PROTOCOL to Investigate the Long-term Safety and Efficacy of Metreleptin in Various Forms of Partial Lipodystrophy Completed
  18. Phase 2 Metabolic Interventions to Resolve Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) With Fibrosis (MIRNA) Completed
  19. Phase 2 Vigabatrin and Insulin Sensitivity Completed
  20. Phase 2 Vitamin E and DHA-EE on NAFLD - Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Clinical Trial (PUVENAFLD) Completed
  21. Phase 2 The University of Michigan Wellness for Liver Health Study Completed
  22. Phase 2 Helicobacter Pylori Eradication in Diabetic Subjects With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Completed
  23. Phase 2 Aramchol for HIV-associated Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Lipodystrophy Completed
  24. Phase 2 Study of Semaglutide for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), a Metabolic Syndrome With Insulin Resistance, Increased Hepatic Lipids, and Increased Cardiovascular Disease Risk (The SLIM LIVER Study) Completed
  25. Phase 2 A Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability & Efficacy of MSDC-0602K in Patients With NASH Completed
  26. Phase 2 Study of ISIS 703802 in Participants With Hypertriglyceridemia, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Completed
  27. Phase 2 Vitamin E Dosing Study Completed
  28. Phase 2 The Sleep, Liver Evaluation and Effective Pressure Study Completed
  29. Phase 2 6-week Safety and PD Study in Adults With NAFLD Completed
  30. Phase 2 A Study of HTD1801 in Adults With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) Completed
  31. Phase 2 Sitagliptin Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Completed
  32. Phase 2 Efficacy of Amlexanox vs. Placebo in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Completed
  33. Phase 2 Alternate Dosing Study of MK-6024 in Adults With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) (MK-6024-016) Completed
  34. Phase 1 A Study of Multiple Doses of HM15211(Efocipegtrutide) in Obese Subjects With NAFLD Completed
  35. Phase 1 A Study to Test How Well Different Doses of BI 3006337 Are Tolerated by People With Overweight or Obesity and With Fatty Liver Disease Completed
  36. Phase 1 Pradaxa Tablet Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) Bioavailability (BA) Study in Japan Completed
  37. Phase 1 Augmenting Growth Hormone to Ameliorate Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Adolescents Completed
  38. Phase 1 Study in Healthy Adults Evaluating PF-07202954 Completed
  39. Phase 1 Study of Changes in Hepatic Fat Following Administration of MK-4074 and Pioglitazone Hydrochloride (MK-4074-008) Completed
  40. Phase 1 2-Week Study In People With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Completed
  41. N/A Efficacy of a Natural Components Mixture in the Treatment of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Completed
  42. N/A Fucoidan Improves the Metabolic Profiles of Patients With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Completed
  43. N/A Sonoelastography: Ultrasound Method to Measure Liver Fibrosis Completed
  44. N/A The Effect of HIT in Patients With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/Steatohepatitis Completed

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 70 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
General obesity, central obesity, and high triglycerides increase risk of precancerous polyps in colorectal cancer surveillance
Gastroenterology Meta-analysis
General obesity, central obesity, and high triglycerides increase risk of precancerous polyps in colorectal cancer surveillance Metabolic health matters for colon cancer risk in high-risk surveillance patients
This meta-analysis of 24 observational studies found that metabolic factors such as general obesity, central obesity, hypertension, and high…
Metabolic issues like obesity and diabetes raise the risk of precancerous polyps in people at higher risk for colon cancer. This analysis of…
Jun 1, 2026
Higher TyG Index Linked to 4.36-Fold Increased Odds of NAFLD in Large Meta-Analysis
Gastroenterology Meta-analysis
Higher TyG Index Linked to 4.36-Fold Increased Odds of NAFLD in Large Meta-Analysis TyG Index Linked to Higher Fatty Liver Risk
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 212,618 participants from observational studies found that higher TyG index levels were associat…
A large analysis found that higher TyG index levels are tied to increased odds of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This simple blood test …
NEJM May 30, 2026
Systematic Review: Flavonoids from Traditional Chinese Medicine Show Promise for NAFLD
Neurology Meta-analysis
Systematic Review: Flavonoids from Traditional Chinese Medicine Show Promise for NAFLD Flavonoids from Chinese medicine show promise for fatty liver disease
This systematic review examines flavonoids from traditional Chinese medicine for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The authors report that …
A systematic review suggests flavonoids from traditional Chinese medicine may improve liver health in humans and animals by reducing fat and…
Frontiers May 28, 2026
Narrative review of palmitoleic acid links to metabolic health and fatty liver outcomes
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Sys. Review
Narrative review of palmitoleic acid links to metabolic health and fatty liver outcomes Palmitoleic Acid Shows Mixed Links to Metabolic Health
This narrative review examines palmitoleic acid (POA) supplementation and food matrices regarding insulin resistance, fatty liver, and hyper…
Higher palmitoleic acid levels are tied to fatty liver and insulin resistance, but supplements show neutral effects.
Frontiers May 26, 2026
Bayesian network meta-analysis of drugs for pediatric NAFLD steatosis improvement
Gastroenterology Meta-analysis
Bayesian network meta-analysis of drugs for pediatric NAFLD steatosis improvement New analysis shows specific drugs help children with fatty liver disease improve liver health and lower body weight
This Bayesian network meta-analysis evaluated drugs in pediatric NAFLD patients confirmed by ultrasound or biopsy. The review synthesized da…
A large review of 1,582 children found that certain medicines helped reduce liver fat and improve blood markers. Energy-focused drugs were b…
Frontiers May 25, 2026
Pediatric Gut Microbiome Links to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Type 2 Diabetes
Gastroenterology Sys. Review
Pediatric Gut Microbiome Links to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Your Child's Gut Health May Protect Against Fatty Liver Disease
Current literature reveals complex associations between the pediatric gut microbiome and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver di…
• Specific gut bacteria patterns predict fatty liver risk in children • Helps parents of overweight kids with diabetes or obesity • Not read…
Frontiers May 13, 2026
Meta-analysis finds no significant difference in Lp(a) levels in MASLD patients vs controls
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis finds no significant difference in Lp(a) levels in MASLD patients vs controls Popular Heart Risk Marker Fails to Predict Fatty Liver Disease
This meta-analysis of observational studies compared circulating lipoprotein(a) concentrations between adults with MASLD/NAFLD/MAFLD and con…
A common blood test for heart disease risk shows no link to fatty liver disease, disappointing hopes for a simple diagnostic tool.
Frontiers May 13, 2026
Meta-analysis shows curcumin reduces weight but lacks impact on BMI or waist circumference in metabolic fatty liver disease patients
Gastroenterology Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis shows curcumin reduces weight but lacks impact on BMI or waist circumference in metabolic fatty liver disease patients Curcumin Helps Weight But Not Waist Size In Fatty Liver
A meta-analysis of curcumin supplementation in patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease revealed a significant reduction in bo…
Curcumin might help you lose a few pounds but it will not shrink your waist or fix your BMI score
NEJM May 12, 2026
Narrative review links ultra-processed food to obesity and multiple metabolic conditions
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Sys. Review
Narrative review links ultra-processed food to obesity and multiple metabolic conditions Is Ultra-Processed Food Driving Obesity And Infertility
This narrative review examines the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and adverse health outcomes.
Ultra-processed foods might hurt your health by causing weight gain or by acting directly on your body without weight gain at all.
Frontiers Apr 29, 2026
Elevated free and bioavailable testosterone linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease risk in postmenopausal women
Diabetes & Endocrinology Cohort
Elevated free and bioavailable testosterone linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease risk in postmenopausal women High Free Testosterone Levels May Worsen Liver Disease In Older Women
This prospective cohort study examined 1,705 postmenopausal women over 5,269 person-years.
High levels of free testosterone in older women may signal a higher risk of developing or worsening fatty liver disease.
Frontiers Apr 29, 2026
Review of scRNA-seq applications in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma research
Genetics & Precision Medicine Sys. Review
Review of scRNA-seq applications in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma research New sequencing tools map liver disease across many species
This narrative review examines the use of single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing in models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, fibr…
Scientists used advanced sequencing to study liver disease in humans and animals. This review maps how the disease changes at a cellular lev…
Frontiers Apr 28, 2026
Ketotifen shows significant improvements in hepatic steatosis and fibrosis indices compared with vitamin E in a pilot study of NAFLD
Gastroenterology RCT
Ketotifen shows significant improvements in hepatic steatosis and fibrosis indices compared with vitamin E in a pilot study of NAFLD Ketotifen beats Vitamin E for fatty liver disease in new trial
This randomized pilot study enrolled 60 individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and followed them for 6.0 months.
New research shows a common allergy medicine reduces liver fat and scarring more effectively than Vitamin E for people with fatty liver dise…
Apr 27, 2026

Research across Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Related studies from across the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease family.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate shows positive therapeutic effects on various digestive system diseases in animal models
Oncology Meta-analysis
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate shows positive therapeutic effects on various digestive system diseases in animal models Green tea compound shows potential for several digestive diseases
This meta-analysis of 63 preclinical studies involving 738 animals indicates that Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has a positive therapeut…
A review of animal studies suggests a green tea compound could help treat various cancers and digestive conditions.
Frontiers Jun 11, 2026
MTARC1 inhibition may reduce cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma risk in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Diabetes & Endocrinology Meta-analysis
MTARC1 inhibition may reduce cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma risk in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease Blocking a liver protein could lower risks for fatty liver disease patients
This meta-analysis of data from the Quebec Obesity Biobank used integrated proteogenomic analysis and Mendelian randomization to assess caus…
A massive analysis suggests blocking a specific liver protein might reduce risks for fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and cancer while improv…
medRxiv Jun 6, 2026
IGFBPs show dual roles in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease progression
Diabetes & Endocrinology Sys. Review
IGFBPs show dual roles in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease progression IGFBP proteins play opposite roles in liver disease progression
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) in metabolic dysfunction-associated steat…
A review shows specific IGFBP proteins can protect the liver or drive damage depending on the stage of disease and which protein is involved…
Frontiers Jun 5, 2026
GLP-1 receptor agonists show potential benefits for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease with acceptable safety
Gastroenterology Sys. Review
GLP-1 receptor agonists show potential benefits for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease with acceptable safety Review shows GLP-1 drugs may help fatty liver disease
This umbrella review evaluated twenty-three meta-analyses and systematic reviews regarding GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with metaboli…
A review of many studies suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists may improve fatty liver disease, but the evidence is still early and needs stronge…
Frontiers May 29, 2026
Narrative review explores immunometabolic networks in MASH and MASLD
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Sys. Review
Narrative review explores immunometabolic networks in MASH and MASLD Future treatments for fatty liver disease may use personalized networks to guide care
This narrative review discusses metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and steatotic liver disease (MASLD), focusing on imm…
New ideas for treating fatty liver disease focus on personalized networks and multi-target approaches to guide future drug development.
Frontiers May 27, 2026
Systematic Review of Schisandra chinensis for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Rheumatology Sys. Review
Systematic Review of Schisandra chinensis for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Ancient herb shows promise for fatty liver disease
This systematic review summarizes preclinical evidence on Schisandra chinensis Fructus (SCF) and its metabolites for metabolic dysfunction-a…
A systematic review finds Schisandra chinensis may protect the liver and reduce fat buildup, but evidence is still early.
Frontiers May 17, 2026
Systematic review of Dendrobium phenanthrene bioactivity across multiple disease models
Drug Pipeline Sys. Review
Systematic review of Dendrobium phenanthrene bioactivity across multiple disease models Scientists found many plant chemicals that fight cancer and help diabetes in lab tests
This systematic review evaluates the bioactivity of 158 phenanthrene metabolites isolated from 53 Dendrobium taxa. The authors note that 64 …
A review of plant chemicals from Dendrobium plants shows strong activity against cancer and diabetes in lab studies. Most results come from …
Frontiers May 15, 2026
Review of triglyceride-lowering therapies for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Drug Pipeline Sys. Review
Review of triglyceride-lowering therapies for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease New Hope for Fatty Liver Disease Targets Hidden Triglyceride Problem
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on triglyceride-lowering therapies for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. …
• Lowering triglycerides may directly heal fatty liver damage • Helps millions with metabolic syndrome and stubborn liver fat • Most treatme…
Frontiers May 12, 2026
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease patients with advanced fibrosis face high hepatocellular carcinoma risk over ten years
Gastroenterology Meta-analysis
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease patients with advanced fibrosis face high hepatocellular carcinoma risk over ten years Liver cancer risk much higher with this common condition
A massive meta-analysis of nearly four million individuals reveals stark differences in hepatocellular carcinoma development based on fibros…
Many people with fatty liver disease never know their risk of liver cancer could be rising, especially if they have undetected scarring.
May 2, 2026
Systematic review and meta-analysis assesses SWDS diagnostic accuracy for MASLD liver inflammation grading
Gastroenterology Meta-analysis
Systematic review and meta-analysis assesses SWDS diagnostic accuracy for MASLD liver inflammation grading Shear-wave dispersion slope helps doctors grade liver inflammation in metabolic disease
This systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis evaluates the Shear-wave dispersion slope (SWDS) for detecting and grading…
A new analysis shows a noninvasive test can accurately detect and grade liver inflammation in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated…
May 1, 2026
Chiglitazar reduces liver fat in MASLD patients with hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance
Gastroenterology RCT
Chiglitazar reduces liver fat in MASLD patients with hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance Two doses of chiglitazar cut liver fat far more than a placebo in 18 weeks
In a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 104 patients with MASLD, hypertriglyceridemia, and insulin resistance rece…
Patients with fatty liver disease and high triglycerides saw liver fat drop significantly with chiglitazar compared to placebo after 18 week…
May 1, 2026
Network meta-analysis suggests tirzepatide and surgery improve MASH resolution versus standard care in adults with obesity
Diabetes & Endocrinology Meta-analysis
Network meta-analysis suggests tirzepatide and surgery improve MASH resolution versus standard care in adults with obesity Weight-loss drugs and surgery may clear fatty liver disease in adults with high BMI
This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluates interventions for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and st…
A new analysis suggests tirzepatide, semaglutide, and surgery might help resolve fatty liver disease without worsening scarring in adults wi…
May 1, 2026

Questions about Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

How does exercise training improve metabolic markers for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?

Exercise training reduces liver fat, lowers blood sugar and insulin, and improves mitochondrial function in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Full answer →
Does exercise training help reduce liver fat in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?

Yes, exercise training reduces liver fat in people with NAFLD, with high-intensity interval training and aerobic exercise showing the strongest effects.

Full answer →
What are the current management options for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?

Current management for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease focuses on lifestyle changes like weight loss and exercise, while new drug options are being studied but none are yet approved in the United States.

Full answer →
Does eating ultra-processed food make my nonalcoholic fatty liver disease worse?

Eating ultra-processed foods is linked to obesity and metabolic disease, which are major drivers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Full answer →
What are the management options for NAFLD and NASH without trial data?

Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight loss) are the mainstay of NAFLD/NASH management; vitamin E and some medications may help, but always consult your doctor.

Full answer →
Which other digestive conditions are linked to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in recent reviews?

Recent reviews link NAFLD to periodontitis, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and bile acid-related conditions like IBS-D and CRC.

Full answer →
Does ketotifen work better than vitamin E for treating Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

A pilot study suggests ketotifen may improve liver fat and fibrosis more than vitamin E in NAFLD, but more research is needed.

Full answer →
How does single-cell RNA sequencing help researchers study Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

Single-cell RNA sequencing helps researchers study NAFLD by revealing which liver cell types drive disease progression and identifying new biomarkers for diagnosis.

Full answer →
See all 9 questions about Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease →

All Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Articles