Resmetirom – Selective THR-beta Agonist for NASH / MASH Treatment
Resmetirom is a first-in-class, highly selective oral thyroid hormone receptor-beta (THR-beta) agonist. The drug was developed for the etiotropic and pathogenic therapy of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), also known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), accompanied by moderate to advanced liver fibrosis. Its primary mechanism of action involves the targeted activation of THR-beta receptors, which predominate in liver tissue and play a key role in regulating systemic and hepatic lipid metabolism, fatty acid degradation, and maintaining normal hepatocyte function.
The uniqueness of resmetirom lies in its high selectivity, which allows it to purposefully stimulate metabolism in the liver while avoiding the activation of thyroid hormone receptor-alpha (THR-alpha), located in the heart and bone tissue. This minimizes the risks of cardiotoxicity, tachycardia, and osteoporosis. By activating the THR-beta signaling pathway, resmetirom enhances mitochondrial beta-oxidation of fatty acids, stimulates lipophagy, and reduces intrahepatic accumulation of toxic lipids. Clinical studies confirm that the drug not only significantly reduces steatosis (fatty liver) and inflammation but also promotes the regression of liver fibrosis, preventing its transformation into cirrhosis. The drug represents a revolutionary breakthrough in hepatology, offering an effective solution for the management of progressive metabolic liver diseases.
The drug is taken orally once daily. Treatment requires regular monitoring of the lipid profile and assessment of liver status using non-invasive methods or biomarkers.
Indications
Resmetirom is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with the following conditions:
- Steatohepatitis (NASH/MASH): non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with histologically or clinically confirmed stage 2 or 3 liver fibrosis (moderate to advanced fibrosis).
- Comprehensive Therapy: used in conjunction with lifestyle modification, a low-calorie diet, and physical activity to optimize metabolic parameters.
Dosage and administration
The resmetirom dosing regimen is adjusted based on the patient's body weight to ensure optimal therapeutic concentrations.
- Patients weighing less than 100 kg: the recommended dose is 80 mg taken orally once daily.
- Patients weighing 100 kg or more: the recommended dose is 100 mg taken orally once daily.
- Administration Method: tablets are swallowed whole, at approximately the same time each day, with or without food.
- Missed Dose: if a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as the patient remembers, provided the next scheduled dose is more than 12 hours away. Do not double the dose.
- Dose Adjustment: modifications may be required when co-administered with strong inhibitors or substrates of certain transporter proteins (such as statins).