Semaglutide trial aims to prevent weight gain and NAFLD after liver transplant

Patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) often face significant post-operative challenges, including substantial weight gain and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the transplanted organ. These complications are driven by persistent risk factors like obesity and reduced physical activity, which can compromise long-term graft survival and overall patient health. Current standard-of-care primarily focuses on lifestyle modifications, which often prove insufficient. Investigating pharmacological interventions like GLP-1 agonists, known for their weight loss and metabolic benefits, represents a critical gap in post-LT management strategies.

This is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial comparing semaglutide to a placebo in 50 estimated adult participants who have undergone liver transplantation. Participants will be randomized to receive either semaglutide or placebo. The primary objective is to determine if semaglutide prevents weight gain post-LT. Secondary objectives include assessing its effect on preventing the development of NAFLD in the transplanted liver, utilizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and comprehensive laboratory results for evaluation. The trial is currently recruiting, with an estimated completion date in November 2025.

As this is a recruiting clinical trial (NCT06060392) with an estimated completion date of November 2025, no findings are available yet. The study aims to gather data on whether semaglutide can prevent weight gain and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in liver transplant recipients. The primary endpoint will be the change in body weight, while secondary endpoints will include changes in liver fat content as measured by MRI and various metabolic biomarkers from laboratory tests. Detailed statistical analyses, including p-values and effect sizes, will be reported upon trial completion.