Iran Produces First Locally Made Drug for Fatty Liver Disease
WANA (Sep 15) – A drug that was first approved in the United States to treat fatty liver disease has now been manufactured in Iran and made available to patients.
With around 35% of Iran’s population affected by fatty liver disease, and the progression of the condition potentially leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis and even liver transplantation, Iran has now begun producing the first locally made drug specifically approved for treating fibrosis associated with fatty liver disease. The development could make one of the newer treatment options for the disease more accessible to patients.
Amirpasha Tabaiyan, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist and deputy head of the Medical Council of Iran for education and research, said the prevalence of fatty liver disease in the country is rising due to sedentary lifestyles and obesity, with liver damage also becoming increasingly common.
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A Milestone in Treating Liver Fibrosis
According to Tabaiyan, until last year there was no specific drug available for fatty liver disease, particularly for patients who had developed liver fibrosis or stiffening.
Treatment recommendations for these patients included following a healthy diet, exercising and losing weight. These measures remain an essential part of treatment, he said.
However, resmetirom was developed in the United States as the first drug specifically approved for treating liver fibrosis associated with fatty liver disease. The drug is now being manufactured domestically in Iran and is available to specialists and patients.
Tabaiyan said resmetirom, which has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is the first drug specifically intended for this group of patients, with the goal of reducing liver inflammation and scarring.
He added that Iranian specialists had reviewed the drug through the country’s Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and observed positive results.
Resmetirom will also be discussed at the 12th Hepatitis Congress and the 5th Gastroenterology and Hepatology Congress, scheduled to be held from September 8 to 10 at the Razi International Conference Center. Physicians will receive training on the proper use of the drug during the event.
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Not Intended for All Fatty Liver Patients
Tabaiyan stressed that the introduction of a new drug does not mean it should be prescribed to every patient with fatty liver disease.
“When a new drug becomes available, it must be used appropriately and only for patients who genuinely need it, so unnecessary use does not increase,” he said.
The FDA approval of resmetirom applies to patients with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis. It is not recommended for patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
Potential to Reduce Complications and Treatment Costs
Tabaiyan said the availability of the drug in Iran could help prevent or reverse complications associated with fatty liver disease and, over time, reduce treatment costs for both the healthcare system and patients.
However, the price of the medication remains a challenge. Tabaiyan said the drug is currently not covered by insurance and remains expensive.
Given that around 35% of the country’s population is affected by fatty liver disease, he said policymakers should consider measures to include the drug in insurance coverage and make it available to patients at a lower cost.
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What Are the Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease often causes no noticeable symptoms, particularly in its early stages. As a result, many people may remain unaware that they have the condition for a long time.
The disease is sometimes detected during routine blood tests or liver imaging. In some patients, however, symptoms may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Discomfort or a dull pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- A general feeling of being unwell
Iced Water Does Not Cause Fatty Liver Disease
The gastroenterology and hepatology specialist also addressed a common misconception about the disease.
“There is absolutely no scientific evidence that drinking iced water causes fatty liver disease,” he said.
The main risk factors are physical inactivity, unhealthy lifestyle habits, consumption of fast food and fatty foods, obesity and other lifestyle-related factors.
Experts Warn of Rising Burden
In the past, hepatitis B and C were the leading causes of liver transplantation. Today, however, liver transplantation is increasingly being performed on patients who have developed cirrhosis as a result of fatty liver disease.
