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Home › Conditions › Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Part of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

38 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 1022 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 · 1,022 cited
  2. Phase 4 Treatment of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease With n-3 Fatty Acids Completed · 311 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 · 1 cited
  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.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: what the trials found

Diagnostic imaging research has established correlations between MRI-PDFF liver fat percentages and various ultrasound biomarkers. Specifically, MRI-PDFF measurements showed a correlation of 1.7 with the Hepatorenal Index (HRI) [4, 5], a correlation of 0.6 to 1.0 with Acoustic Attenuation [4, 5], and a correlation of 5.9 to 6.6 with Tissue Stiffness [4, 5].

Pharmacological interventions have been evaluated in several phases. Pioglitazone was studied for its impact on histological scores and the prevention/reversal of T2DM or pre-diabetic states 6. Other established trials included evaluations of OMACOR 7, Exenatide [8, 9], Semaglutide 10, and SAMe 11.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • Vitamin E demonstrated a significant reduction in serum Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) from baseline to 24 weeks (p=<0.0001), with approximately 10-24% of patients achieving ALT normalization (p=0.004) 2.
  • Efinopegdutide was associated with mean body weight reductions at week 28 (-3.9% to -7.5%) and significant reductions in liver fat content (LFC) via MRI-PDFF at 24 weeks (p=<0.0001) [1, 18].
  • The compound PF-06865571 showed a statistically significant reduction in liver fat percentage as measured by MRI-PDFF at week 6 (p=<0.0001) 21.
  • Tesamorelin was evaluated for NAFLD Activity Score and Fibrosis Score, both of which showed no change (0) in the study cohort 12.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • MRI-PDFF is a validated tool for quantifying liver fat, showing significant correlation with ultrasound biomarkers such as Hepatorenal Index and Tissue Stiffness.
  • Vitamin E has shown statistically significant efficacy in reducing ALT levels and achieving ALT normalization in patients with NAFLD.
  • Novel agents like Efinopegdutide and PF-06865571 show promising results in reducing liver fat content via MRI-PDFF imaging.

AI synthesis of 7 cited trials, updated Jun 29, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Phase 2 trial tests three Vitamin E doses versus placebo in 200 adults with NAFLD
Gastroenterology Phase II
Phase 2 trial tests three Vitamin E doses versus placebo in 200 adults with NAFLD Vitamin E dosing study in 200 adults with fatty liver disease completes trial
A phase 2 randomized controlled trial enrolled 200 adults with NAFLD to compare three doses of Vitamin E (200 IU, 400 IU, 800 IU) with place…
A completed trial on Vitamin E for fatty liver disease has finished, but the results showing if the doses helped or caused harm are not yet …
CT.gov Mar 30, 2026
High Dietary Inflammatory Index Linked to Increased NAFLD Risk (OR 1.33, CI 1.23-1.44)
Gastroenterology Meta-analysis
High Dietary Inflammatory Index Linked to Increased NAFLD Risk (OR 1.33, CI 1.23-1.44) Could Your Diet Be Fueling Fatty Liver Disease?
Meta-analysis of 262,468 participants shows high Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) significantly increases risk of NAFLD (OR 1.33, 95% CI: 1.…
A high-inflammation diet is strongly linked to fatty liver disease and liver scarring in a review of over 262,000 people.
Mar 27, 2026

Research across Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

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

Efficacy of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Managing MASLD and MASH Clinical Outcomes
Diabetes & Endocrinology Meta-analysis
Efficacy of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Managing MASLD and MASH Clinical Outcomes GLP-1 Drugs Linked to Less Liver Fat and Weight Loss
GLP-1 receptor agonists demonstrate significant reductions in liver fat, body weight, and transaminases in patients with MASLD or MASH.
A pooled analysis of 795 adults links GLP-1 drugs to less liver fat, lower liver enzymes, and modest weight loss in fatty liver disease.
NEJM Oct 27, 2026
mpMRI markers of liver disease are associated with lower health-related quality of life in MASH
Gastroenterology RCT
mpMRI markers of liver disease are associated with lower health-related quality of life in MASH Liver imaging markers linked to lower quality of life
This multinational real-world randomized controlled trial of 802 patients with suspected MASLD/MASH found that patients with MASH reported l…
New research shows that specific liver imaging markers are linked to lower quality of life and higher anxiety in patients with liver disease…
Oct 24, 2026
Short-chain fatty acids and intestinal macrophages modulate metabolism in metabolic syndrome and obesity
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Sys. Review
Short-chain fatty acids and intestinal macrophages modulate metabolism in metabolic syndrome and obesity Short Chain Fatty Acids May Help Manage Metabolic Syndrome
This narrative review explores how short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, acetate, and propionate influence intestinal macrophage im…
Short-chain fatty acids like butyrate may influence how the body handles inflammation and metabolism in people with obesity and insulin resi…
Frontiers Oct 23, 2026
cGAS-STING pathway serves as a central axis for innate immune activation in MASLD and HCC
Drug Pipeline Sys. Review
cGAS-STING pathway serves as a central axis for innate immune activation in MASLD and HCC New research identifies a key immune pathway in fatty liver disease
This systematic review explores the role of the cGAS-STING pathway in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and hepatocel…
A specific immune pathway called cGAS-STING may play a major role in how fatty liver disease progresses and leads to serious complications.
Frontiers Oct 16, 2026
Hepatocyte senescence and SASP signaling contribute to inflammatory and fibrogenic remodeling in MASLD
Diabetes & Endocrinology Sys. Review
Hepatocyte senescence and SASP signaling contribute to inflammatory and fibrogenic remodeling in MASLD Liver Cell Aging May Drive Fatty Liver Disease
This narrative review examines the role of hepatocyte senescence and SASP signaling in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver dise…
A new review suggests aging liver cells may help drive fatty liver disease, but human evidence is still limited.
Frontiers Oct 15, 2026
Higher histologic liver fibrosis stages correlate with increased risk of cirrhosis and hepatic decompensation
Gastroenterology Meta-analysis
Higher histologic liver fibrosis stages correlate with increased risk of cirrhosis and hepatic decompensation Liver Fibrosis Stages Linked to Higher Risk of Liver Failure
This meta-analysis of 32 studies evaluates the association between histologic liver fibrosis stages and clinical outcomes in patients with M…
Higher stages of liver fibrosis are linked to a significantly increased risk of liver failure and death in patients with fatty liver disease…
Oct 3, 2026
Mediterranean diet reduces BMI and triglycerides in patients with NAFLD and MASLD
Gastroenterology Meta-analysis
Mediterranean diet reduces BMI and triglycerides in patients with NAFLD and MASLD Mediterranean diet shows modest benefits for fatty liver disease
This meta-analysis of 980 patients with NAFLD/MASLD found that a Mediterranean diet significantly reduced BMI (SMD -0.43) and triglycerides …
A Mediterranean diet can lower body mass index and triglycerides in people with fatty liver disease, though other metabolic markers stayed t…
Oct 2, 2026
Optimal ELF cutoffs identify significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with MASLD
Gastroenterology Meta-analysis
Optimal ELF cutoffs identify significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with MASLD New test cutoffs help identify liver scarring in fatty liver disease
This meta-analysis of 37 cohorts from 34 studies evaluates the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) Test for identifying fibrosis stages in MASLD. …
New data helps doctors use the ELF test to better identify different stages of liver scarring in patients with fatty liver disease.
Oct 2, 2026
Hepatic macrophage metabolic reprogramming and bidirectional signaling dictate the balance between liver injury and regeneration
Gastroenterology Sys. Review
Hepatic macrophage metabolic reprogramming and bidirectional signaling dictate the balance between liver injury and regeneration New research identifies how liver cells communicate during chronic disease
This systematic review synthesizes the role of hepatic macrophages in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, alcohol-asso…
New research reveals how specific immune cells in the liver switch between causing inflammation and repairing tissue damage.
Frontiers Sep 30, 2026
Multidisciplinary interventions and Mediterranean diet adherence may modestly reduce BMI Z-score in pediatric obesity
Psychiatry Sys. Review
Multidisciplinary interventions and Mediterranean diet adherence may modestly reduce BMI Z-score in pediatric obesity Mediterranean diet and behavior changes help manage childhood obesity
This narrative review synthesizes evidence regarding the impact of Mediterranean diet (KIDMED) adherence and multidisciplinary interventions…
A Mediterranean-style diet combined with team-based care shows promise in reducing weight and improving health for children with obesity.
Frontiers Sep 22, 2026
Subclinical humoral immune dysfunctions may drive gut-liver axis breakdown in pediatric MASLD
Diabetes & Endocrinology Sys. Review
Subclinical humoral immune dysfunctions may drive gut-liver axis breakdown in pediatric MASLD Immune system issues may drive liver disease in children
This mini-review explores the role of subclinical humoral immune dysfunctions, such as partial secretory IgA or IgG subclass deficiencies, i…
New research suggests that hidden immune system weaknesses could be a major driver of liver damage in children with fatty liver disease.
Frontiers Sep 18, 2026
MASLD in people living with HIV may represent a distinct immunometabolic condition with rising prevalence
Gastroenterology Sys. Review
MASLD in people living with HIV may represent a distinct immunometabolic condition with rising prevalence HIV Patients Face Rising Fatty Liver Risk, Review Finds
This narrative review examines the rising burden of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in people living with H…
Fatty liver disease is rising among people with HIV, even when antiretroviral therapy works well, a new review reports.
Frontiers Sep 17, 2026

Questions about Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Do quercetin and apigenin show promise for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

Yes, quercetin and apigenin show promise for NAFLD by reducing liver fat and inflammation, but most evidence comes from lab and animal studies; human trials are limited.

Full answer →
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 →
See all 10 questions about Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease →