08:09 AM EDT, 03/13/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Ionis Pharmaceuticals ( IONS ) said Wednesday that a phase 2 study of ION224 to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis achieved liver histologic improvement, meeting its primary endpoint at both 120mg and 90 mg doses.

The company said the study also met the secondary endpoint of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis resolution.

Phase 2 data showed that treatment with ION224 resulted in at least 2-point reduction in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score without worsening fibrosis, according to the company.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, previously known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, is a form of fatty liver disease that can lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver-related death, Ionis said.

"We are encouraged by these ION224 data, showing that a monthly subcutaneous medicine targeting DGAT2 has the potential to improve MASH and prevent its progression to more severe stages, including advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis," said Ionis Chief Medical Officer Sanjay Bhanot.

Shares of Ionis Pharmaceuticals ( IONS ) were up 2% in recent premarket activity.

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