Saroglitazar, a PPAR-α/γ Agonist, for Treatment of NAFLD: A Randomized Controlled Double-Blind Phase 2 Trial

Background and Aims NAFLD is characterized by insulin resistance and dysregulated lipid and glucose metabolism. Saroglitazar, a dual peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha/gamma agonist, improves insulin sensitivity, and lipid and glycemic parameters. Saroglitazar improved NASH histology in animal studies. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of saroglitazar in patients with NAFLD/NASH. Approach and Results A total of 106 patients with NAFLD/NASH with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) >= 50 U/L at baseline and body mass index >= 25 kg/m(2) were randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive placebo or saroglitazar 1 mg, 2 mg, or 4 mg for 16 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was percentage change from baseline in ALT levels at week 16. Liver fat content (LFC) was assessed by MRI proton density fat fraction. The least-squares mean percent change from baseline in ALT at week 16 was -25.5% (5.8), -27.7% (5.9), and -45.8% (5.7), with saroglitazar 1 mg, 2 mg, and 4 mg, respectively, versus 3.4% (5.6) in placebo (P < 0.001 for all). Compared with placebo, saroglitazar 4 mg improved LFC (4.1% [5.9] vs. -19.7% [5.6]), adiponectin (-0.3 mu g/mL [0.3] vs. 1.3 mu g/mL [0.3]), homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (-1.3 [1.8] vs. -6.3 [1.7]), and triglycerides (-5.3 mg/dL [10.7] vs. -68.7 mg/dL [10.3]) (P < 0.05 for all). Saroglitazar 4 mg also improved lipoprotein particle composition and size and reduced lipotoxic lipid species. Saroglitazar was well-tolerated. A mean weight gain of 1.5 kg was observed with saroglitazar 4 mg versus 0.3 kg with placebo (P = 0.27). Conclusions Saroglitazar 4 mg significantly improved ALT, LFC, insulin resistance, and atherogenic dyslipidemia in participants with NAFLD/NASH. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03061721.)

Automated summary

Saroglitazar showed significant efficacy in patients with NAFLD/NASH, improving ALT, liver fat content and insulin resistance. The 4mg dose of Saroglitazar also demonstrated significant improvements in lipid metabolism and lipoprotein particle composition. Overall, Saroglitazar was well-tolerated with a slight weight gain observed in patients.