Last updated July 22, 2026
Key finding
MASH improvement without worsening of fibrosis was reported in 53% (41/78) of participants in the dapagliflozin group and 30% (23/76) in the placebo group (risk ratio 1.73; P=0.006).
This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in participants with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), finding significant improvements in liver health outcomes.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Long-Term (1–5 y)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in participants with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), finding significant improvements in liver health outcomes.
The findings of this study are significant as they suggest that dapagliflozin could be an effective treatment for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, a condition that can lead to serious liver disease. Improved management of MASH may reduce the risk of complications and improve overall health outcomes for affected individuals.
The study's sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings. Participants were selected from specific centers, which may not represent the broader population. Long-term effects of dapagliflozin were not assessed in this trial.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Jiayang L, Yan H, Bingyan X, et al. Efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in participants with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. The BMJ. 2025;389:e083735. doi:10.1136/bmj-2024-083735
53% of participants in the dapagliflozin group showed MASH improvement without worsening of fibrosis, compared to 30% in the placebo group.
23% of participants in the dapagliflozin group achieved MASH resolution without worsening of fibrosis, versus 8% in the placebo group.
Fibrosis improvement without worsening of MASH was observed in 45% of the dapagliflozin group compared to 20% in the placebo group.
The mean difference of NAS was -1.39 points, indicating a significant reduction in liver inflammation.
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to Dapagliflozin and Fibrosis improvement without worsening of MASH, Mean difference in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS), Resolution of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH).
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Dapagliflozin
Primary outcomes
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
1
Related topics
3
Evidence pairs
29
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Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_intervention
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Dapagliflozin → Fibrosis improvement without worsening of MASH
Dapagliflozin → Fibrosis improvement without worsening of MASH
Dapagliflozin → Mean difference in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS)
Dapagliflozin → Mean difference in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS)
Dapagliflozin → Resolution of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)
Dapagliflozin → Resolution of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on SGLT2 Inhibitors and Fibrosis improvement without worsening of MASH, SGLT2 Inhibitors and Resolution of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH).
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Fibrosis improvement without worsening of MASH
Measures Fibrosis improvement without worsening of MASH as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Resolution of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)
Measures Resolution of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) as a key outcome.
All studies on SGLT2 Inhibitors
Contributes to SGLT2 Inhibitors evidence base.
Latest published studies
Published within the last 2 years.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Dapagliflozin appears to improve Fibrosis improvement without worsening of MASH.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Fibrosis improvement without worsening of MASH
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Dapagliflozin appears to improve Mean difference in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Mean difference in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Dapagliflozin appears to improve Resolution of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Resolution of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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