FDA approves first drug for liver inflammation

(CNN) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first drug to treat a common form of liver inflammation.

On Thursday, the agency approved medication to treat a form of fatty liver disease with the acronym NASH.

The new drug will be marketed under the brand name Rezdiffra and is taken orally.

The medication activates a thyroid hormone receptor in the liver to help reduce fat accumulation.

Since the new drug got accelerated approval, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals must complete a post approval study to verify the drug’s clinical benefit.

NASH happens when the liver becomes inflamed because of excess fat cells.

It’s an advanced form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

According to the FDA, about six to eight million people in the united states are thought to have NASH.