S6.12.1 - After the Semaglutide Approval: Impact on Patients and Pharmacotherapy

Surfing the MASH Tsunami

Send us a text

Key Opinion Leaders Manal Abdelmalek, Naim Alkhouri, Scott Isaacs and Zobair Younossi join Roger Green to discuss FDA's approval of semaglutide for patients with non-cirrhotic MASH. This conversation focuses on benefits for patients and ways that having two drugs with different modes of action will change pharmacotherapy choices.

This conversation starts with the group describing the sense of "enthusiasm" and "fulfillment" hepatology drug developers feel to see two drugs approved in the US and many other major changes to come (more drug approvals, FDA acceptance of a path to approval that is not based on liver biopsy). One interesting takeaway is that while the approval of semaglutide will likely change the number of patients treated with MASH pharmacotherapy, the greater impact of this approval will be on public awareness of MASH and the accompanying demand for treatment. In terms of actual drug use, the first major change will come among patients living with obesity but not Type 2 diabetes. Most of these patients previously saw their semaglutide prescriptions rejected for payment by health insurers. However, many of these patients will be living with MASH, and they are likely to see their prescriptions approved.

Instead, the largest impact may involve increased education and awareness. Scott pointed out that endocrinologists, who frequently prescribe incretin agonists, will have reason to learn how to diagnose and manage MASH in patients they already treat. Zobair noted that an array of companies, starting with pharmaceutical manufacturers and scanning companies, will dramatically increase investments in prescriber and patient education.

Another important benefit may come in terms of coverage. Scott points out that most patients living with obesity but not diabetes are unlikely to have their semaglutide prescriptions covered by commercial insurers. Those living with non-cirrhotic MASH are likely to have semaglutide covered. A separate but related point: Naim reports that ~30% of the MASH patients he sees are taking an incretin agonist at the time of initial visit.