Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is often accompanied by liver fibrosis, which can progress to cirrhosis; C-C chemokine receptors type 2 and 5 (CCR2/CCR5), which mediate interactions driving inflammation and fibrosis, are promising treatment targets. Cenicriviroc (CVC), a dual-CCR2/CCR5 antagonist, has potent anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activity in animal models; in HIV-positive subjects it reduced soluble CD14 levels, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet count ratio index, and non-invasive hepatic fibrosis risk scores; favorable tolerability was demonstrated in ~ 600 subjects. Efficacy and safety of CVC 150 mg for treating NASH with liver fibrosis are being evaluated over 2 years (primary endpoint at Year 1 [Y1]).

Phase 2b, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational study (CENTAUR; NCT02217475). Adults with histological evidence of NASH, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS) ≥ 4, and liver fibrosis (stages 1–3 NASH clinical research network system) enrolled. Subjects have increased risk of progression to cirrhosis due to ≥ 1 characteristic: type 2 diabetes; body mass index > 25 kg/m² with ≥ 1 feature of metabolic syndrome; bridging fibrosis and/or NAS ≥ 5. Liver biopsy evaluation at Screening, Y1, and Year 2 (Y2).

Assess histologic improvement (≥ 2-point in NAS with ≥ 1-point improvement in > 1 category) without worsening of fibrosis at Y1 (primary); evaluate complete NASH resolution without worsening of fibrosis at Y2 (key secondary).

CENTAUR is the first prospective study evaluating an oral agent exclusively enrolling subjects with NASH and liver fibrosis, with increased risk of developing cirrhosis. It will compare shorter versus longer CVC treatment and assess correlations between decreased inflammation and fibrosis.