FAQ discussion guide
This guide helps you answer common questions and address misconceptions that prevent people from considering clinical trial participation.
Do you or a loved one have cirrhosis of the liver caused by metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)?
Learn more about MASH and the MK-6024-017 research study for adults with MASH.
What is cirrhosis caused by MASH?
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, previously called NASH) is a severe form of fatty liver disease associated with health issues such as being overweight, having type 2 diabetes, a high LDL (bad cholesterol), and metabolic syndrome.
Cirrhosis is a serious form of MASH, where the buildup of fat and inflammation leads to stiffness and scarring of the liver. Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure and cancer.
NATIONAL TRIAL REFERENCE NUMBER
When you talk with your doctor or clinical team member, please have the national trial reference number available.
Resources
What is the MK-6024-017 Clinical Study?
This clinical study is evaluating an investigational study medication, MK-6024, in adults with cirrhosis of the liver due to MASH. Researchers will compare the investigational study medication to a placebo. A placebo looks like the investigational study medication but has no active ingredients.
The investigational study medication is given by injection (a shot) just under the skin. The injection is put in the fatty area of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm 1 time per week using a prefilled syringe.
If you qualify and decide to take part, you will be in this study for about 43 weeks (about 10 months). You will have around 10 scheduled visits to the study site for medical tests and assessments. You will also have at least 3 phone call visits with the study doctor or a member of the study team.
Researchers want to learn about:
- The safety of MK-6024 and how well people tolerate taking it
- How well MK-6024 may work compared to a placebo
- Whether MK-6024 may affect body weight compared to a placebo
About 80 people will participate in this study.
What is the MK-6024-017 Clinical Study?
This clinical study is evaluating an investigational study medication, MK-6024, in adults with cirrhosis of the liver due to MASH. Researchers will compare the investigational study medication to a placebo. A placebo looks like the investigational study medication but has no active ingredients.
Let’s Talk Trials resources
Open, authentic conversations can help build trust between communities and clinical research. These resources
are designed to support you whether you re a healthcare provider, advocate or community leader as you
share information, address common questions and encourage informed decision-making about clinical trials. Use
them to guide thoughtful discussions and promote greater understanding of clinical trial participation and its role in health equity.
Understanding clinical trials brochure
When people don’t understand the benefits of clinical trials, they are less likely to consider joining one. This brochure breaks down what clinical trials are, how they work and why clinical trial participants need to reflect the people suffering from the disease. Use it to help people in your community make informed decisions about considering participating in clinical trials.
Myths about clinical trials infographic
Help people overcome barriers to participation by fighting myths with facts.
For health care providers
Get more information about talking to your patients about clinical trials and find clinical trial opportunities.
Barriers to participation
There are multiple barriers that can keep people from participating in clinical trials. Acknowledging these barriers can open the door for conversations about how we can overcome them together.
Lack of awareness
Many people don’t know what clinical trials are or are confused about what’s involved, where to find them or how to sign up for one. Let’s combat misinformation and arm people with what they need to decide if a clinical trial is right for them.
Mistrust of the medical system
Communities of color have not always been equally represented or treated in the health care system. Honoring that history opens the door to honest, culturally-grounded conversations about equity and how showing up in clinical trials can help move towards better care for all.
Location barriers
Location and transportation barriers often make it difficult for people to join clinical trials. Let’s talk about how decentralized clinical trials and transportation support can help make participation easier.
Time commitment and financial issues
Logistical challenges such as lack of childcare, not being able to take off from work and financial hardship can make it hard for people to participate in clinical trials. Let’s work together to help people living with cancer get the support they need so they can access the care they deserve.
Partner organizations
Acclinate helps connect, educate and empower underrepresented communities through the power of technology.
Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development (EQBMED) helps underserved communities participate in clinical trials to create more equitable access.
Greenphire’s management platform helps people enrolled in clinical trials navigate the financial process, including providing easy access to reimbursements and financial assistance.