Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an advanced form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

NASH causes the buildup of fat in liver cells resulting in inflammation and damage, which can lead to scarring of the liver, cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver transplant. There are no approved medicines for NASH.

A 2021 study in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology found that NAFLD is a global epidemic and likely to become the most common cause of liver disease worldwide in the next decade. The researchers also reported that most drugs in development have been ineffective with too many adverse side effects.

Atom BIoscience's ABP-6016 demonstrated effectiveness in improving liver function.

In preclinical studies, Atom Bioscience’s ABP-6016 demonstrated effectiveness in animal models improving liver function measured by reduction in levels of liver enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT).

The small molecule compound also lowered levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG), which are biomarkers associated with hepatic steatosis. The drug also reduced inflammation.