Testing a Probiotic Supplement for Fatty Liver Disease

Plain-English translation of NCT06873165 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated March 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a probiotic called pAKK (pasteurized Akkermansia) to see if it can help treat metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), a common liver condition linked to weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol problems. The medication works by improving the health of your gut bacteria, which research suggests may help reduce fat buildup in the liver. You would take one capsule daily for 12 weeks and have your liver and overall health monitored.

Fatty liver disease affects about one in four people worldwide and can progress to serious liver damage if untreated, but there are currently no FDA-approved medications for it. This trial exists because early research suggests that improving gut bacteria balance may help slow or reverse the disease.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 20 and 70 years old
you have been diagnosed with fatty liver disease confirmed by ultrasound imaging (FibroScan)
you have at least one sign of metabolic dysfunction, such as excess weight, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, or low HDL cholesterol
you are willing to use two or more forms of birth control if you are a woman who could become pregnant
you are able to attend follow-up visits and provide stool samples as required

You likely don't qualify if…

you are pregnant or breastfeeding
you have taken probiotics or prebiotics in the past two weeks
you have taken antibiotics or antifungal medications in the past month
you have severe liver disease, active hepatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease
you have been out of the country for 10 days in the past two months or plan to travel during the study

What participation looks like

You would take one capsule of the medication (or placebo) by mouth once daily for 12 weeks. You'll attend several clinic visits where your liver health will be checked with blood tests and imaging. You'll also be asked to collect and provide stool samples at certain times so researchers can monitor changes in your gut bacteria. The study involves three different doses of the probiotic to see which works best, so you may receive a higher or lower dose than other participants.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 12, 2026 · Not medical advice

Testing a Probiotic Supplement for Fatty Liver Disease

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations