Overview

• University of Barcelona researchers report that pemafibrate and telmisartan reduced hepatic fat in rat and zebrafish models of diet-induced MASLD.
• In rats, a half-dose combination of the two drugs matched the efficacy of full-dose monotherapy, indicating dose-sparing synergy.
• Telmisartan restored liver PCK1 protein and diverted metabolites away from lipid synthesis via a PPAR-independent mechanism identified in the study.
• The team notes the regimen could address liver steatosis while lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, potentially reducing cardiovascular risk.
• The authors emphasize that the results are limited to animal models, with further fibrosis and dual liver–cardiovascular studies underway and human trials needed.