Effect of Oral Semaglutide on Liver Fat and Body Composition in Liver Transplant Recipients With Diabetes Mellitus: Sema-Lit
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of liver conditions ranging from liver steatosis (NAFL), steatohepatitis (NASH), advanced liver fibrosis and ultimately leads to cirrhosis in a significant proportion of individuals. NAFLD is intimately associated with insulin resistance and associated disorders, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and dyslipidemia. It has been noted that several individuals with liver transplantation develop nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the transplanted liver. This is because of the presence of various risk factors of obesity and NAFLD, such as decreased physical activity, that persist following liver transplantation. Post-liver transplant patients are particularly at risk for developing NAFLD, as these patients are on oral steroids and immunosuppressants for a significant period of time. There is no medication approved for the prevention or treatment of NAFLD. Semaglutide is an GLP-1 receptor agonist that have been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Semaglutide has also been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on NAFLD. However, there is no data on the effect of semaglutide on liver fat accumulation or changes in body composition in patients following liver transplantation. Therefore, the current pilot study is planned to evaluate the effect of oral semaglutide on the liver fat, liver enzymes and body composition in patients undergoing liver transplantation
• A man or woman, 30 years of age or above with liver transplantation of at least 3 months duration who meets all the following two criteria:
‣ On standard anti-diabetic agents (metformin and/or insulin) with an HbA1c of \<=9% at screening
⁃ Body mass index of \>25 kg/m2
• Subjects must be medically stable based on medical history, physical examination, and laboratory investigations.
• Subjects must be willing and able to adhere to the prohibitions and restrictions specified in this protocol.
• Each subject must sign an informed consent form (ICF) indicating that he or she understands the purpose of the study and are willing to participate in the study.