To date, no pharmacological treatment is approved for NAFLD/NASH. Here, we report on preclinical and clinical data with GFT505, a novel dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha/delta (PPAR-α/δ) agonist. In the rat, GFT505 concentrated in the liver with limited extrahepatic exposure and underwent extensive enterohepatic cycling. The efficacy of GFT505 was

assessed in animal models of NAFLD/NASH and liver fibrosis (Western diet [WD]-fed human apolipoprotein E2 [hApoE2] transgenic mice, methionine- and choline-deficient diet-fed db/db mice, and CCl4-induced fibrosis in rats). GFT505 demonstrated liver-protective effects on steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. In addition, GFT505 improved liver dysfunction markers, decreased hepatic lipid accumulation, and inhibited proinflammatory (interleukin-1 beta,

tumor necrosis factor alpha, and F4/80) Fulvestrant molecular weight and profibrotic (transforming growth factor beta, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2, collagen type I, alpha 1, and collagen type I, alpha 2) gene expression. To determine the role of PPAR-α-independent mechanisms, the effect of GFT505 www.selleckchem.com/products/gsk126.html was assessed in hApoE2 knock-in/PPAR-α knockout mice. In these mice, GFT505 also prevented WD-induced liver steatosis and inflammation, indicating a contribution of PPAR-α-independent mechanisms. Finally, the effect of GFT505 on liver dysfunction markers was assessed in a combined analysis of four phase II clinical studies in metabolic syndrome patients. GFT505 treatment decreased plasma concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and alkaline phosphatase. Conclusion:

The dual PPAR-α/δ agonist, GFT505, is a promising liver-targeted drug for treatment of NAFLD/NASH. In animals, its protective effects are mediated by both PPAR-α-dependent and -independent mechanisms. (Hepatology 2013; 58:1941–1952) Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease why (NAFLD) represents a spectrum of liver disorders ranging from hepatocellular steatosis through nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to fibrosis, and irreversible cirrhosis. NAFLD is frequently observed in patients with central obesity or diabetes and its prevalence is increasing with the epidemics of type 2 diabetes and obesity, such that NAFLD is now the most common liver disease in Western countries.[1] NASH is defined by the presence of steatosis coexisting with hepatic inflammation and hepatocellular injury.[2] Although simple steatosis is generally a benign condition, NASH can have a dire prognosis resulting from concomitant evolving fibrosis[3] and progression to cirrhosis.[2] Patients with NASH have increased liver-related mortality,[4] and NASH-induced cirrhosis can result in end-stage liver disease,[5] including the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.[6] Efficacious therapeutic agents for the treatment of NASH are lacking.