Novo Nordisk's Wegovy Wins Singapore Approval for MASH Treatment…

Event summary

Singapore's HSA approved Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) for MASH with liver fibrosis (F2-F3) in non-cirrhotic adults.
ESSENCE trial showed 63% of semaglutide patients achieved steatohepatitis resolution vs. 34% on placebo at Week 72.
MASH now accounts for 39.8% of cirrhosis cases in Singapore, surpassing hepatitis B (23.5%).
ESSENCE trial continues to Week 240 to assess long-term liver-related clinical outcomes.

The big picture

Novo Nordisk's approval for Wegovy in MASH treatment marks a strategic shift in addressing metabolic liver diseases, which are increasingly prevalent due to rising obesity and diabetes rates. This approval positions Novo Nordisk at the forefront of a growing market for targeted therapies in chronic liver conditions, particularly in regions like Singapore where MASH is overtaking traditional causes of cirrhosis like hepatitis B.

What we're watching

Market Expansion: Whether Novo Nordisk can leverage this approval to expand Wegovy's use in other Asian markets with high MASH prevalence.
Long-term Efficacy: The pace at which the ongoing ESSENCE trial will confirm whether semaglutide reduces liver-related clinical events over 240 weeks.
Competitive Positioning: How this approval strengthens Novo Nordisk's leadership in metabolic disease treatments amid rising global MASH cases.