ION224 is an investigational ligand-conjugated antisense (LICA) medicine designed to reduce the production of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) to treat patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), previously referred to as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). DGAT2 is an enzyme that catalyzes the final step in triglyceride synthesis in the liver. Reducing the production of DGAT2 should therefore decrease triglyceride synthesis in the liver. The Phase 2 trial demonstrated clinical evidence that the reduction of hepatic fat after DGAT2 inhibition correlates with MASH histological endpoints.
About Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)
MASH is the more severe form of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). It is related to the epidemic of obesity, pre-diabetes and diabetes. Unlike liver disease caused by alcohol consumption, MASH is the result of an accumulation of fat in the liver, which can lead to inflammation, cirrhosis and liver-related death.
Safety and efficacy have not been evaluated by any regulatory authorities for the indications described.