Two common heart medicines may reverse fatty liver disease and cut heart risks, study suggests

Scientists in Barcelona discover that two approved drugs — pemafibrate and telmisartan — may reduce liver fat and prevent metabolic liver damage. (Image: Pexels)

Two medicines available in your local pharmacy could hold the answer to a condition that harms many. Scientists in Barcelona believe they may have found just that. In a study that harks back to the golden age of drug repurposing, two well-known medications — pemafibrate and telmisartan — appear to work wonders in reducing liver fat and preventing complications from metabolic liver disease.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is no stranger to modern life, one in three adults may be living with it, often unaware. It develops when too much fat gathers in the liver, raising the stakes for serious liver damage and deadly heart disease. Current treatment options? Scant. But a study published in Pharmacological Researchsuggests that pairing these two familiar drugs could change everything.

Instead of crafting risky new pills from scratch, researchers led by Marta Alegret at the University of Barcelona turned to a clever approach: drug repurposing. Since both drugs are already approved — one for cholesterol (pemafibrate), the other for blood pressure (telmisartan) — they’ve passed safety hurdles. That makes them ideal candidates to treat early-stage MASLD, when the disease is still reversible and symptoms are few.

Also Read: Everyday foods that can reverse liver damage: 6 ingredients that might actually help, turmeric, coffee and more

Here are the findings from rats to zebrafish:

• In rats, the drug combo cut liver fat as effectively as a full dose of one drug alone.
• Zebrafish larvae, used as a simpler model, showed similar benefits.
• The combo also lowered blood pressure and cholesterol, a double win.
• Each drug works differently: telmisartan restores PCK1 protein levels, shifting fat metabolism.
• Crucially, the combo could reduce side effects by allowing lower doses of each drug.

Also Read: 9 proven remedies to cure fatty liver naturally, according a hepatologist

FAQs on Common Heart Medicines and Fatty Liver Risks:

1. What are the common medications used for heart conditions?
- Common heart medications include beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins, and blood thinners. Pemafibrate and telmisartan, mentioned in the study, are used for managing cholesterol and blood pressure, respectively.

2. What is fatty liver disease, and what are its risks?
- Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver, which can lead to liver damage and increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

3. Can heart medications affect the liver?
- Some heart medications can impact liver function, but the combination of pemafibrate and telmisartan has shown promise in reducing liver fat and improving metabolic health in animal studies.

4. How can I reduce my risk of developing fatty liver disease?
- Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of fatty liver disease. Medications like pemafibrate and telmisartan may also offer new treatment options in the future.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis