Do you have NASH?
You may want to consider participating in the ESSENCE study evaluating an investigational drug for its ability to treat NASH.
Key facts about NASH
The liver is an essential organ in the human body. We cannot live without it, so it is important we take good care of it.
Liver diseases can be difficult to spot, since they often are silent.
NASH is a chronic and progressive disease caused by fat deposition in the liver, which cause inflammation and damage of the liver. If not treated, NASH can develop into cirrhosis, liver failure and cancer, which are all severe diseases.
It is unknown why some people develop NASH and others don’t, but people with certain medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol are at a higher risk of developing this disease.
There are currently very limited options to treat NASH.
What is the ESSENCE study?
In the ESSENCE study, we will investigate if the drug called semaglutide can slow or reverse NASH to a less severe stage. Previous clinical studies have shown that treatment with semaglutide may help in weight loss and other features potentially beneficial for patients with NASH.
Semaglutide is already approved in many countries at a lower dose to treat type 2 diabetes.
By joining the ESSENCE study, you will join a big worldwide community, with 1200 participates in 37 countries, for up to 5 years. You will not be alone!
You will need to have an injection of semaglutide or placebo (“dummy” medication, an injection that does not have any medicine given for comparison) once a week, attends visits at the doctor clinic for up to 5 years, and phone visits with your study staff.
- Once a week injection
- Visits at the clinic
- Approximately 2 phone calls per year
How can I be part of the ESSENCE study?
There are several potential benefits to talking part in the ESSENCE study. For example, you can:
- Understand your disease and take better care of your liver
- Take an active role in your overall health
- Get expert medical care at leading healthcare facilities
- Help others by contributing medical research
Millions of people participate in clinical studies every year. By choosing to participate in a clinical study, you can make a difference to your life and the lives of others.
What is semaglutide
Semaglutide is a medicine similar to a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is produced in the body after eating a meal.
Studies of semaglutide suggest it has beneficial effects on NASH. In addition, semaglutide can induce weight loss and reduce the blood sugar. Drugs similar to semaglutide are already on the market to treat diseases like type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Semaglutide can help in several ways:
Reduction of liver fat: A drug similar to semaglutide has been shown to improve NASH
Energy intake: Semaglutide can reduce feelings of hunger, so you may eat less food. This may help to reduce your body weight, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Blood sugar: If your blood sugar levels are too high, semaglutide help to lower them
Most common side effects
Not everyone will experience side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are stomach and gut problems. These may include feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting), diarrhea, upset stomach, low appetite, pain in stomach area and constipation. These side effects are usually mild or moderate and transient, they are most likely to happen when you first start taking the study medicine and are likely to decrease or disappear entirely as you continue through the study.
How can I get involved?
If you meet the listed eligibility criteria and would like to learn more about the ESSENCE study, we would love to hear from you! To speak with the clinical research coordinator, please call (318) 525-3233.