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Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD) CLINICAL TRIALS

Clinical Trial Experts

Join clinical trials for MASLD and MASH. Free Fibroscan screenings and access to cutting-edge treatments.

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Understanding MASLD:
 Partnering for a Healthier Future

What is MASLD?

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), also known as fatty liver disease, is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the United States, affecting 40% of individuals. This condition is characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver in the absence of significant alcohol consumption or other secondary causes.

MASLD is closely associated with metabolic syndrome (MS), a cluster of conditions including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. In fact, MASLD is often considered the hepatic manifestation of MS. If untreated, MASLD can progress to its more severe form, MASH (steatohepatitis), leading to inflammation, scarring, cirrhosis, and even liver failure.

Free Liver Scanning for Early Detection

Protect Your Liver, Protect Your Health

Coastal Research offers free, non-invasive liver scans to detect early signs of fatty liver disease.
If you have unexplained fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or elevated liver enzymes, get valuable health insights at no cost.

Why It Matters

MASLD isn’t just about liver health—it’s strongly linked to systemic issues like cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Key facts include:

  • Patients with MASLD are three times more likely to develop diabetes compared to the general population.
  • The most common cause of death in MASLD patients is cardiovascular disease, not liver-related complications.
  • Untreated MASLD can also lead to cirrhosis and liver-related deaths, though at a lower rate than CVD.

Recognizing and managing MASLD early can significantly reduce these risks.

Diagnosis and Non-Invasive Testing

Diagnosing MASLD often begins with identifying patients with obesity or metabolic syndrome who present with abnormal liver  function tests or imaging findings suggestive of fatty liver changes. Traditional liver biopsies, the gold standard for diagnosing MASLD and determining its severity, are increasingly being replaced by non-invasive methods due to their invasive nature and associated risks.

Non-Invasive Diagnostic Tools:

  • Fibroscan (Transient Elastography): Measures liver stiffness and fat content.
  • Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE): Assesses liver fibrosis with high accuracy.
  • Blood-Based Biomarkers: Tools like FIB-4 Index, APRI, and MASLD fibrosis score are used to predict disease severity.


At Coastal Research Institute, we provide free Fibroscan screenings and offer advanced diagnostic evaluations as part of clinical trials.

Treatment Options

There is currently only one FDA-approved medication for MASLD, but multiple therapies are in development. Management typically starts with lifestyle changes and progresses to medical interventions.

Lifestyle Interventions:

  • Weight Loss: Losing 5% of body weight reduces liver fat, while 10% or more can improve inflammation and fibrosis.
  • Exercise: Moderate to vigorous activity helps improve liver health.
  • Mediterranean Diet: High in complex carbohydrates, fibers, and monounsaturated fats, this diet reduces liver fat and improves metabolic parameters.

Emerging Therapies:

  1. Vitamin E: Reduces liver inflammation and steatosis, especially in non-diabetic patients.
  2. Resmetirom: A thyroid receptor beta agonist showing promise in reducing liver fat and fibrosis.
  3. GLP-1 Agonists (e.g., Liraglutide, Semaglutide): Improve glucose metabolism, reduce liver inflammation, and promote weight loss.
  4. FGF-21 Compounds: Emerging agents that improve insulin sensitivity and reduce liver fat and fibrosis.

Mechanisms of Liver Damage in MASLD

The progression of MASLD involves complex processes such as:

  • Insulin Resistance: Increases fat deposition in the liver.
  • Oxidative Stress: Damages liver cells through reactive oxygen species.
  • Hormonal Dysregulation: Hormones like leptin and ghrelin affect fat metabolism and inflammation.

These mechanisms highlight the importance of targeted treatments to address the root causes of liver damage.

Clinical Trials at Coastal Research Institute

We are at the forefront of MASLD research, conducting clinical trials to explore innovative therapies that target liver fat, inflammation, and fibrosis. Participating in a trial offers:

  • Access to Investigational Treatments: Cutting-edge therapies not yet widely available.
  • Expert Care: Comprehensive support from our team of specialists.
  • No Cost: All trial-related care, diagnostics, and medications are provided free of charge.


Take the first step toward better liver health by joining one of our clinical trials today.

Interested in Participating?

Are you between the ages of 18-75 years old?
Have you ever been diagnosed with Fatty Liver Disease, Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Hepatic Steatosis, or Steatohepatitis?
Have you ever been told you have any of the following conditions:
Are you overweight/obese?

Coastal Research Institute is a privately owned, physician-driven research organization located in the heart of Fayetteville, North Carolina. We contract with a variety of physicians in the community to serve as our investigators, allowing us to work in other therapeutic areas

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