BRIEF—Gilead and Novo Nordisk to test NASH combination

US biotech Gilead Sciences and Danish diabetes giant Novo Nordisk are to collaborate on a trial combining compounds from their respective pipelines in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

In a proof-of-concept study, they will combine Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide, a GLP-1 analogue drug approved in diabetes and obesity, and Gilead’s cilofexor (FXR agonist) and firsocostat (ACC inhibitor), while the companies are also exploring the potential to collaborate on preclinical research to advance understanding of the disease.

John McHutchison, chief scientific officer and head of research and development at Gilead, said: “NASH is a complex disease that often affects people with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Currently, patients living with NASH have limited treatment options. We are excited to work with Novo Nordisk on this important collaboration, which would bring together Novo Nordisk’s broad expertise related to diabetes and metabolism and Gilead’s expertise in both liver disease and combination therapies.”