There have been great strides in MASH (formerly kn

There have been great strides in MASH (formerly known as NASH) drugs in the past year. There are at least 2 drugs that are close to approval.

Clinical trials for this disease are horribly expensive, requiring imaging and biopsies. Not only does a company have to pay these expenses, but they also have to pay the PATIENTS to do all of these procedures. If you haven't participated in clinical trials, as I have, you may be surprised to find out how lucrative they can be. I was just contacted to be paid $1300 just for getting a combo flu/COVID shot, which involved getting the shot and coming in again a couple times over the next 6 months to let them take some blood to measure antibody levels. Alas, I've already had my NOVAVAX Covid booster (which I highly recommend -- almost no side effects, and a better, non-mRNA, longer-lasting vaccine).

So if they want to pay me $1300 for getting a shot and a couple of blood draws, imagine what they'd have to pay a patient undergoing multiple biopsies that do nothing for their own condition, but are done in the name of science?

I always thought that Cyrus was WRONG to identify MASH/NASH/mishmash as the target. Too much competition, too expensive. Whereas HIV has a huge unmet need, and Leronlimab has a track record despite Amarex's best efforts to screw it up.

So, I am really happy that Dr. Lalezari seems to be taking the company in the right direction. By "right" I mean the direction that agrees with my preconceived notion.