This activity of COST Action CA20121 (BenBedPhar) consolidates existing and emerging clinical evidence on NRF2-targeted pharmacological interventions across major non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a particular focus on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH/NASH) and liver cirrhosis. The accompanying dataset
compiles current clinical and preclinical studies, including trial identifiers, intervention types, NRF2-modulating mechanisms, disease indications, and reported outcomes.
The reviewed studies demonstrate the growing translational potential of NRF2 activators such as bardoxolone methyl, dimethyl fumarate, sulforaphane, and novel electrophilic derivatives, showing promise in reducing oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammation in hepatic and metabolic disorders. This evidence is reinforced by our recent findings summarized in Redox Biology (DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2025.103891), which highlight the mechanistic rationale and pharmacodynamic biomarkers supporting NRF2 modulation in liver pathology.
Complementary dissemination and stakeholder activities, including the 2025 BenBedPhar–Antiox.it webinar series (https://www.antiox.it/webinars2025/), further emphasize clinical perspectives on NRF2-targeted therapy, addressing pharmacokinetics, safety profiles, and regulatory readiness of lead compounds.
This documentation represents a forward-looking reference for future clinical trial planning, providing an integrative framework that connects mechanistic data, therapeutic pipelines, and clinical endpoints. It supports BenBedPhar’s objective to translate NRF2 biology into clinical innovation, guiding the design of next-generation interventional studies in steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and related NCDs through harmonized clinical and biomarker strategies.
