Resmetirom, a thyroid hormone beta receptor agonist, has demonstrated its usefulness for the treatment of steatohepatitis (fatty liver with inflammation and destruction of liver cells), as we have discussed previously. Since April 2024, this drug has been commercially available in the United States under the name of Rezdiffra.
In addition to the clinical trials conducted with resmetirom, a study on the efficacy of this drug in clinical practice has been published in the Journal of Hepatology. A total of 83 patients with steatohepatitis (grade 2-3 fibrosis out of 4) who were being treated with 80-100 mg of resmetirom daily by different hepatologists were included.
Resmetirom has been shown to resolve steatohepatitis in 25% to 30% of patients. It also induces at least a 1-grade improvement in fibrosis and significantly reduces the amount of liver fat in just 12 to 36 weeks.
Resmetirom side effects
Regarding side effects of resmetirom, it is generally well tolerated, although 24% of patients experienced diarrhea, 18% nausea, 15% abdominal pain, and 5% vomiting. Additionally, 15% suffered rash, 6% dizziness, and 5% headache. Approximately 16% of patients had to discontinue treatment, primarily due to side effects.
In summary, resmetirom is a new drug useful for the treatment of steatohepatitis, although as of May 2025, it is not yet approved for use in Europe. In the United States, the price of the drug is $4,200 per month, making it an extremely expensive treatment ($50,400 per year).
Resmetirom is the first drug approved specifically for the treatment of fatty liver with fibrosis (steatohepatitis), and others are under evaluation for this indication (obeticholic acid). Dr. Carreño and the Foundation’s medical team will consider resmetirom for the treatment of steatohepatitis as soon as it becomes available in Spain.
