The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) presented findings from their SLIM LIVER study at the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI). The study investigated the use of semaglutide, a medication commonly used for weight loss and diabetes, to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in people living with HIV. Researchers discovered that epigenetic biomarkers, specifically those related to muscle function and aging, could predict the effectiveness of semaglutide in reducing liver fat.
This research is crucial for individuals living with HIV who are at higher risk for developing MASLD and experiencing accelerated liver damage compared to those without HIV. Identifying predictive biomarkers allows clinicians to personalize treatment strategies, potentially improving outcomes and reducing the burden of liver disease in this vulnerable population. Furthermore, understanding the relationship between epigenetic markers and treatment response could lead to the development of targeted interventions and improved monitoring tools.
The SLIM LIVER study was the first to demonstrate semaglutide’s efficacy in improving and even resolving MASLD in people with HIV. The secondary analysis presented at CROI revealed that participants with lower epigenetic age, particularly those with a lower DNAmGripmax score (indicating weaker muscle function at a biological level), showed greater reductions in liver fat after semaglutide treatment. Additional findings presented at the conference explored the effects of semaglutide on gut bacteria, heart health, metabolism, and liver inflammation in people with HIV.
This research opens new avenues for personalized medicine in the treatment of MASLD for people living with HIV. The ability to predict treatment response using readily available blood markers could significantly improve patient care and resource allocation. Further research is needed to validate these findings in larger populations and explore the potential of other epigenetic biomarkers in predicting treatment outcomes. This could ultimately lead to more effective and tailored therapies for MASLD and contribute to improved long-term health outcomes for people living with HIV.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
