A new experimental drug called VB-85387 significantly reduced fatty liver disease, scarring, and inflammation in laboratory mice, according to research published in the Journal of Lipid Research in 2026. The drug works by blocking a protein called MOGAT2 that helps create fat in the liver. VB-85387 performed as well as or better than another experimental drug already in human trials, suggesting it could become an important treatment option for millions with metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease.
Researchers have discovered a promising new drug called VB-85387 that may help treat fatty liver disease, a condition where fat builds up in the liver and can lead to serious health problems. According to Gram Research analysis, this drug works by blocking a protein called MOGAT2 that helps create fat in the liver. In laboratory studies with mice, the drug significantly reduced liver fat, inflammation, and scarring. The findings suggest VB-85387 could become an important treatment option for people with metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD), a condition affecting millions worldwide.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article in the Journal of Lipid Research found that VB-85387, a new MOGAT2 inhibitor, significantly reduced liver fat accumulation, fibrosis, and inflammatory markers in mice with fatty liver disease across two different disease models.
According to research reviewed by Gram, VB-85387-treated mice showed lower NAS scores (a standard measure of liver damage severity) and reduced levels of inflammatory molecules including TNFα, IL-1β, and IFNβ compared to untreated mice.
Laboratory research demonstrated that VB-85387 was as effective as or superior to BMS-963272, another MOGAT2 inhibitor in early human trials, at reducing both liver triglyceride levels and signs of liver scarring in mice.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a new experimental drug called VB-85387 could reduce fatty liver disease and the scarring that comes with it
- Who participated: Laboratory mice were given either a special diet that causes fatty liver disease or a combination of chemicals and high-fat food. Some mice received the new drug while others did not.
- Key finding: Mice treated with VB-85387 had significantly less fat in their livers, less scarring, and lower inflammation compared to untreated mice across both disease models tested
- What it means for you: This research suggests a potential new treatment for fatty liver disease may be coming, though human trials are still needed to confirm safety and effectiveness. People with fatty liver disease should continue following their doctor’s current recommendations while this research progresses.
The Research Details
Scientists created fatty liver disease in laboratory mice using two different methods: one using a special diet lacking certain nutrients, and another combining a chemical injection with high-fat food. This approach allowed researchers to test whether VB-85387 worked against different types of liver disease. Half the mice received the experimental drug while the other half did not, allowing direct comparison of outcomes.
The researchers then examined the livers of all mice to measure how much fat accumulated, how much scarring occurred, and what changes happened in the cells’ chemical processes. They looked at specific markers of inflammation and liver damage to understand exactly how the drug was working at the cellular level.
This type of study is important because it allows scientists to test new drugs in a controlled environment before moving to human trials. The use of two different disease models strengthens the findings by showing the drug works against multiple causes of fatty liver disease.
Testing in animal models is a necessary step before any drug can be tested in humans. This research provides evidence that VB-85387 is worth pursuing further and helps scientists understand the biological mechanisms behind how it works. The fact that it performed as well as or better than another experimental drug already in human trials is particularly encouraging.
This study was published in the Journal of Lipid Research, a respected scientific journal. The researchers used two different disease models, which strengthens confidence in the findings. However, this is laboratory research in mice, not humans, so results may not translate directly to people. The study appears to be well-designed with appropriate controls, though the exact sample size of mice used was not specified in the available information.
What the Results Show
VB-85387 significantly reduced the amount of fat stored in the livers of treated mice compared to untreated mice in both disease models. The drug also reduced markers of liver scarring (fibrosis), including a measure called hydroxyproline and the amount of collagen deposited in the liver tissue. Mice receiving VB-85387 had lower NAS scores, which is a standard measure of liver damage severity.
The drug appeared to work by changing how the liver processes fat. Treated mice showed increased activity of a protein called PPARα, which helps the body burn fat, and decreased activity of SREBP, which controls fat production. This suggests VB-85387 helps the liver make less fat while burning more of what’s already there.
The drug also reduced inflammation in the liver. In mice on the high-fat diet, VB-85387 lowered activation of NF-κB, a key inflammation trigger, and reduced several inflammatory molecules including TNFα, IL-1β, and IFNβ. It also suppressed activation of JAK proteins that drive certain types of inflammation.
VB-85387 was as effective as or better than BMS-963272, another MOGAT2 inhibitor currently in early human trials, at reducing both liver fat and fibrosis. This comparison is important because it suggests VB-85387 may be a competitive option for future drug development. The drug’s ability to reduce multiple types of inflammation suggests it may help prevent the progression from simple fatty liver to more severe liver disease with inflammation (MASH).
This research builds on previous understanding that blocking MOGAT2 could help treat fatty liver disease. The findings confirm that this approach works in living organisms and provide new details about the specific pathways involved. The comparison to BMS-963272 is particularly valuable because that drug has already advanced to human testing, suggesting VB-85387 is at least as promising.
This study was conducted entirely in laboratory mice, not humans, so results may not translate directly to people. The exact number of mice used was not specified. The research does not include information about potential side effects or safety concerns in humans. Long-term effects were not studied. This is early-stage research, and much more testing would be needed before VB-85387 could be used as a treatment in patients.
The Bottom Line
This research is too early-stage to recommend VB-85387 for patients. People with fatty liver disease should continue following their doctor’s current recommendations, which typically include weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes. This research suggests a promising new treatment option may be available in the future, but human clinical trials are necessary first.
People with fatty liver disease or MASH, people at risk for liver disease due to obesity or metabolic syndrome, and healthcare providers treating liver disease should follow this research. People without liver disease do not need to take action based on this study. Researchers and pharmaceutical companies developing new liver disease treatments should pay particular attention.
If VB-85387 advances to human trials, it would typically take 5-10 years before it could potentially become available as a treatment. The drug would need to complete Phase I (safety), Phase II (effectiveness), and Phase III (confirmation) trials before regulatory approval. Even then, approval is not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fatty liver disease and why is it dangerous?
Fatty liver disease occurs when fat builds up in liver cells, reducing the organ’s ability to function properly. It can progress to inflammation (MASH), scarring (cirrhosis), and liver cancer if untreated. It affects millions worldwide and is often linked to obesity and metabolic problems.
How does VB-85387 treat fatty liver disease?
VB-85387 blocks a protein called MOGAT2 that helps create fat in the liver. By reducing fat production and increasing fat burning, the drug decreases liver fat accumulation and the inflammation and scarring that follow. Research shows it also reduces multiple inflammatory pathways.
When will VB-85387 be available as a treatment?
VB-85387 is still in early research stages and has not yet been tested in humans. If development continues successfully, human trials would typically take 5-10 years before potential regulatory approval. Much more testing is needed before it becomes available to patients.
What should I do if I have fatty liver disease right now?
Continue following your doctor’s current recommendations, which typically include weight loss, regular exercise, and dietary changes reducing saturated fats and refined carbohydrates. Monitor your liver health through regular blood tests. Discuss emerging treatments like VB-85387 with your healthcare provider as research progresses.
Why was this study done in mice instead of humans?
Animal studies are necessary first steps before human testing. They allow scientists to test safety, understand how drugs work at the cellular level, and determine if further development is worthwhile. Successful mouse studies like this one justify moving toward human trials.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Users with fatty liver disease can track liver health markers through their healthcare provider: measure liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST) every 3-6 months and monitor weight, waist circumference, and exercise minutes weekly to track progress on current treatment plans.
- Users can set daily goals for moderate exercise (30 minutes), track meals to reduce saturated fat and refined carbohydrates, and monitor weight loss progress. The app can send reminders for regular doctor visits to check liver function tests and discuss new treatment options as they become available.
- Create a long-term health dashboard tracking liver enzyme trends, weight changes, and lifestyle metrics. Set quarterly check-in reminders for medical appointments. When VB-85387 or similar drugs become available, users can discuss with their doctor and track treatment response through the app.
This article describes early-stage laboratory research in mice and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a recommendation for any treatment. VB-85387 has not been tested in humans and is not available as a treatment. People with fatty liver disease should consult their healthcare provider about current evidence-based treatments and management strategies. This research is promising but preliminary; many experimental drugs that work in animals do not succeed in human trials. Always discuss new treatment options with your doctor before making any changes to your health care plan.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.