Thyromimetics – Hope or hype

Abstract

Thyroid hormones (THs) have a salutary metabolic effect but exert negative effects on the cardiovascular system and other extrahepatic tissues when used in euthyroid individuals. For targeting metabolic diseases, TH analogs with thyroid receptor β selectivity and increased hepatic exposure have been designed. Several of these agents have shown possibility of benefit in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and dyslipidemia with resmetirom being the most promising of the lot. In addition, the hepatomitogenic and neurotrophic role of thyromimetics is also promising. This narrative review looks back at the evidence that exists with these agents and also looks at their probable role in future.