The study met its primary efficacy endpoint, according to Merck. The company also reported improvement in liver fibrosis without worsening of steatohepatitis, a key secondary endpoint.

Efinopegdutide is an investigational, once-weekly treatment that targets both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors. Merck said its safety profile was generally consistent with that of semaglutide, a widely used GLP-1 drug.

MASH, or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, is a chronic inflammatory liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis and ultimately liver failure. Eliav Barr, head of global clinical development and chief medical officer at Merck Research Laboratories, said the disease highlights the need for additional treatment options.