Marshall Health now prescribes the first FDA-approved liver disease medication, offering the most-advanced liver disease screening

The first and only medication for liver fibrosis caused by metabolic dysfunction-associated steato hepatitis (MASH) is now available through Marshall Health, a member of Marshall Health Network.

Rezdiffra (resmetirom), approved in March 2024 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is used along with diet and exercise to treat adults with MASH who have moderate to advanced liver scarring, known as fibrosis. It is not approved for use by patients with cirrhosis.  

“Marshall Health offers FibroScan, the most advanced non-invasive screening to determine liver damage and FDA-approved eligibility for this new treatment," said Marshall Health hepatologist Tejas Joshi, M.D. “The new technology of FibroScan coupled with national clinical trial results for Rezdiffra that showed improvements to the fibrosis represent pivotal innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease."

FibroScan uses a small probe on the skin to transmit vibrations that help determine the degree of fibrosis or scarring that may be present on the liver. As one of the first in the U.S. and the only health system in West Virginia to utilize the latest FibroScan technology, Marshall Health can scan more patients in less time with greater accuracy. FibroScan screening options through Marshall Health Network are available at Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington and Marshall Health – Teays Valley in Putnam County, West Virginia.

Individuals who suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, weight control and/or a genetic disposition to liver disease, should talk with their primary care physician about ordering a fatty liver blood panel and/or FibroScan.

Although Rezdiffra has been distributed to pharmacies nationwide, not all insurance companies have approved payment at this time. Marshall Health clinical pharmacists work directly with eligible patients to help obtain approvals and medication.

Patients not eligible for the new medication may still be referred to Marshall Health’s liver clinic for help with weight loss and other liver disease management methods. For additional information, call Marshall Internal Medicine at 304.691.1000.