FAP: Not Just a Biomarker but Druggable Target in Liver Fibrosis

Chronic liver injury is caused by various etiologies, including viral infections, alcohol abuse, metabolic disorders, cholestasis, and hepatotoxin exposure. Regardless of the multiple etiologies of injury, fibrosis is the most common characteristic of chronic liver diseases. Fibrosis ultimately may lead to hepatic cirrhosis, which is the 11th most common cause of death globally.1 Despite the clear clinical need, there are no approved therapies to treat liver fibrosis. In chronic liver injury, continuous accumulation of extracellular matrix results in the progressive replacement of the liver parenchyma by fibrous scar tissue.