Session (CTI)

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASH) is a chronic, progressive, and potentially life-threatening liver disease, which is increasingly gaining recognition as a major global health issue. MASH is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and is strongly associated with both obesity and type 2 diabetes. As MASH advances to its later stages, the risk of morbidity and mortality significantly increases, with some people developing irreversible cirrhosis, for which liver transplantation remains the only definitive treatment option. Despite its increasing prevalence, MASH remains underrecognized, underdiagnosed, and undertreated, placing a substantial burden on patients, healthcare systems and the wider economy. A key challenge explored in this symposium is that individuals affected by MASH often experience none or few non-specific symptoms in the early stages of this disease, which results in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Confirmation of MASH can often require invasive testing for a definitive diagnosis, which is not conducive for routine screening. Non-invasive testing methods can play a crucial role in the assessment and diagnosis of MASH, thereby enabling earlier detection of this disease and timely intervention. This symposium aims to raise awareness of MASH as a significant, yet underrecognized disease while highlighting its clinical burden, economic impact, and the urgent need for early intervention. The speakers will discuss the current landscape of MASH diagnostics and treatment, including healthcare systems and patient perspectives, to enhance understanding of the disease and its implications for individuals living with MASH.

Sponsored by Novo Nordisk