New Treatment for the Prevention and Reversal of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Brief Description

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have found a new use for a known compound for treatment of fatty liver disease which has been shown to be effective in animal studies.

Full Description

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a serious health problem that is estimated to affect about 30% of the general population.Those most likely to be afflicted with NAFLD also suffer from obesity and type 2 diabetes.NAFLD generally refers to a spectrum of liver damage ranging from simple fatty liver (hepatic steatosis), with benign prognosis, to a potentially progressive form, non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis (NASH), which may lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.If left untreated, NAFLD leads to liver failure, need for liver transplantation, and increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality.Currently, there is no specific therapeutic agent for prevention or treatment of the various forms of fatty liver disease.

Suggested uses

The compound, and its formulations, metabolites, derivatives, or analogs, may be used as therapeutic agents in the treatment of fatty liver disease, including non-alcoholic, alcoholic and other forms of fatty liver disease.

Patent Status

Testing

The compound has undergone testing in animals, which demonstrated that it prevents the development of experimental hepatic steatosis.