Gilead Sciences is discontinuing two drug candidates, cilofexor and firsocostat, for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, MASH, a liver disease related to fatty liver, among other conditions. The US biopharmaceutical company has collaborated with Novo Nordisk to test a combination treatment of Gilead's candidates and Novo Nordisk's semaglutide, which is found in Ozempic, among other products. Gilead has now dropped the development of this combination therapy.

Gilead drops Novo Nordisk-partnered liver disease candidates

Gilead Sciences has discontinued two drug candidates, cilofexor and firsocostat, for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a liver disease linked to fatty liver. The candidates were part of a joint development program with Novo Nordisk, which includes Novo Nordisk's semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic. Gilead has decided to halt the combination therapy development despite prior collaboration.