Insulin resistance is a major risk factor for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). But medicines that treat insulin resistance, such as thiazolidinediones and metformin, are not proven to be effective specifically for treating NASH. These medicines are currently being studied for their effectiveness in treating NASH.

Damage to liver cells from free radicals is also thought to contribute to NASH. Medicines that prevent this damage, including certain antioxidants and vitamins E and C, have shown in early tests that they may be useful in treating NASH. But the long-term safety and effectiveness of these drugs in treating NASH is still being studied.