Novo Nordisk to present new Semaglutide MASH data from ESSENCE trial at EASL 2026

DENMARK — Novo Nordisk is set to present new clinical findings on semaglutide at the upcoming European Association for the Study of the Liver Annual Congress 2026, scheduled for May 27–30 in Barcelona.

The data place renewed attention on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a progressive liver disease that continues to affect millions of people worldwide despite remaining largely undiagnosed and untreated.

MASH, the inflammatory and more severe form of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), causes liver scarring and can eventually lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

The condition has also become one of the leading reasons for liver transplantation in many Western countries.

According to Novo Nordisk, nearly 250 million people globally are estimated to live with the disease, while close to 90% of cases remain undetected.

New ESSENCE analyses strengthen semaglutide evidence

The company’s presentations at EASL 2026 build on results from the Phase 3 ESSENCE programme, where semaglutide 2.4 mg previously demonstrated significant reductions in liver inflammation and fibrosis among patients with MASH.

Novo Nordisk said the latest analyses provide a broader understanding of how the treatment performs across different patient populations.

One of the key presentations, the ESSENCE Liver Safety analysis led by Philip Newsome and colleagues, showed that semaglutide maintained a favourable liver safety profile regardless of patient characteristics.

The findings are expected to reassure clinicians managing patients whose liver function is already compromised by advanced disease.

Another subgroup analysis, presented by Mazen Abdelmalek and colleagues, focused on menopausal women, a group often underrepresented in liver disease research.

Researchers noted that hormonal changes during menopause can accelerate metabolic decline and worsen liver disease progression.

The new data provide targeted evidence supporting semaglutide’s benefits in this patient population.

Novo Nordisk also shared findings from a Japanese subgroup analysis led by Atsushi Nakajima, extending evidence for semaglutide to Asian populations, where MASLD and MASH frequently occur at lower body weight thresholds and involve distinct metabolic and genetic risk factors.

Broader momentum in obesity and liver disease treatment

The latest liver disease updates arrive as Novo Nordisk continues to expand the clinical reach of semaglutide beyond obesity and diabetes care.

Earlier this month, the company presented additional data at the European Congress on Obesity, showing that higher-dose Wegovy achieved an average weight loss of nearly 28% among early responders in the STEP-UP trial.

Novo Nordisk has also continued to pursue regulatory expansion for semaglutide in liver disease treatment.

Recent reports indicate that regulators in markets such as India and China are reviewing applications for MASH indications for semaglutide-based therapies.

Commenting on the new findings, David Ørsted, vice president of Global Medical Affairs Obesity & MASH at Novo Nordisk, said the company aims to help ensure MASH is identified earlier and treated more effectively so that patients no longer fall through the cracks of healthcare systems.

Alongside its scientific presentations, Novo Nordisk said it will support the “Love Your Liver” initiative during the congress, offering education and on-site MASH testing for attendees.