Healthy Returns: The first drug for a common, deadly liver disease is here – and more are coming

CNBC March 19, 2024
Annika Kim Constantino,Ashley Capoot

Good morning! Millions of Americans with a common and potentially life-threatening form of liver disease will soon have access to the first-ever treatment for the condition.

In a landmark decision on Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration approved Madrigal Pharmaceuticals‘ drug “Rezdiffra,” to be used along with diet and exercise. The company expects the medicine to be available next month with a hefty price tag of $47,400 per year before insurance and other rebates.

So, why is this approval so important?

First of all, people suffering from the disease badly need a treatment. Rezdiffra is specifically approved to treat patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, who also have moderate-to-advanced liver scarring.

Some specialists have started calling the...

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