This agent inhibits the activation of signal–regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), a serine/threonine signaling kinase, implicated in the activation of stress response pathways that exacerbate hepatic inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis (Budas G et al. reduction of liver steatosis and fibrosis with an ASK1 inhibitor in a murine model of NASH is accomplished by improvements in cholesterol, bile acid, and lipid metabolism -unpublished raw data). Here, MAP3K5 is linked to fatty liver disease.