ACTG SLIM LIVER Findings Published in Annals of Internal Medicine
May 10 2024 - 11:13AM
ACTG, a global clinical trials network focused on HIV and other
infectious diseases, today announced the publication of results
from SLIM LIVER (also known as A5371) in the Annals of Internal
Medicine. “The Effect of Open-Label Semaglutide on Metabolic
Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in People With HIV”
demonstrates that semaglutide was highly effective in improving,
and in some cases, resolving completely, metabolic
dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly
known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) among people living
with HIV.
SLIM LIVER was the first study evaluating semaglutide as a
treatment for MASLD among people living with HIV. MASLD is common
among people living with HIV and likely acts synergistically with
HIV to accelerate liver injury and organ dysfunction. Semaglutide
is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist that has been
associated with cardiometabolic improvements in the general
population through its effects on weight reduction and systemic
inflammation.
SLIM LIVER was a phase 2b single-arm, pilot study that enrolled
adults living with HIV who were virally suppressed and had central
adiposity (increased waist circumference), insulin resistance or
pre-diabetes, and steatotic liver disease. All participants
received semaglutide for 24 weeks (titrated to 1 mg, dosed
subcutaneously every week, by week four). Participants experienced
significant improvements in their weight, waist circumference,
fasting glucose, BMI, hemoglobin A1C (a blood test that shows the
glucose level over a period of three months), ALT (a liver enzyme
that can become elevated when liver damage is present), and
triglyceride concentrations.
These data were presented earlier this year at the Conference on
Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI). At that time,
study author Jordan Lake commented, “Even at the low dose of 1
milligram every week, most participants lost significant weight,
and weight loss was closely associated with improvements in MASLD.
Additional research will assess the secondary effects of
semaglutide on systemic inflammation and metabolism and determine
whether semaglutide may have unique risks or benefits for people
living with HIV.”
To learn more, please access the Annals of Internal Medicine
article and ACTG’s press release from CROI.
About ACTGACTG is the
world’s largest and longest running clinical trials network focused
on HIV and other infectious diseases and the people living with
them. It is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and collaborating National Institutes
of Health (NIH) Institutes. Founded in 1987, ACTG conducts research
to improve the management of HIV and its comorbidities; develop a
cure for HIV; and innovate treatments for tuberculosis, hepatitis
B, and emerging infectious diseases. It comprises thousands of
dedicated researchers, staff, and community members who are
pursuing research into novel treatments and cures for infectious
diseases at 65 locations across four continents, with the ultimate
goal of advancing science that meaningfully impacts the lives of
the people we serve.
Disclaimer: This content is solely the responsibility of ACTG
and does not necessarily represent the official views of the
NIH.
Media Contact:Jenna Conley,
ACTGjenna@conleycommunications.net