#United States #MASH #Novo Nordisk #Echosens #Westborough

Echosens and Novo Nordisk Enhance Partnership for MASH Awareness

Echosens, a leader in non-invasive liver diagnostics, has announced an extended partnership with Novo Nordisk aimed at raising awareness and facilitating early diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This initiative has become particularly crucial following the recent FDA approval of Wegovy® (semaglutide), marking a significant advancement in the treatment options available for MASH patients.

The collaboration between Echosens and Novo Nordisk comes at a pivotal time as MASH impacts approximately 1 in 20 individuals, with alarming statistics suggesting that nearly 90% of all cases remain undiagnosed. This underdiagnosis underscores the urgent need for effective, non-invasive diagnostic tools that can help identify the condition early and support ongoing care. MASH, characterized by fat accumulation in the liver, can lead to severe health complications including cirrhosis, liver failure, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Jon Gingrich, CEO of Echosens North America, expressed his excitement over this partnership, stating, "We congratulate Novo Nordisk on this landmark achievement for patients with MASH. Echosens is honored to partner with them to enhance early diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes. As treatment options grow, so needs arise for reliable point-of-care tests to accurately diagnose steatotic liver disease and evaluate treatment responses."

One of the critical innovations in this partnership is the FibroScan® technology, which enables rapid and reliable assessments of liver health. Using vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE™), FibroScan provides a non-invasive evaluation of liver stiffness and fat accumulation, with tests taking as little as four minutes. The procedure is both efficient and cost-effective, making it accessible across various medical fields, including hepatology and primary care.

As part of ongoing clinical research, FibroScan plays an important role in Novo Nordisk's ESSENCE trial. The trial aims to establish a comprehensive understanding of how patients improve under treatment with semaglutide, with initial results indicating significant variations in liver metrics over a 72-week period compared to placebo groups.

Echosens and Novo Nordisk’s goal is ambitious: to double diagnostic rates for individuals suffering from advanced to severe MASH by the year 2027. Achieving this objective necessitates ongoing investments in education, awareness, and access to scalable, non-invasive diagnostic solutions. Both companies recognize that as more treatment options emerge, the critical need for early detection becomes increasingly urgent.

About Echosens: Recognized as a pioneer in liver health assessment, Echosens has revolutionized the management of liver diseases with the introduction of FibroScan®. This technology has been validated by over 5,000 peer-reviewed publications and utilized in over 127 countries, leading to millions of liver examinations worldwide.

About Novo Nordisk: Since its inception in 1923, Novo Nordisk has focused on addressing serious chronic diseases, leveraging its rich history in diabetes to fuel scientific advances. The company's ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes is evident in its efforts to enhance MASH treatment and awareness.

For more information about Echosens and their diagnostic technologies, visit Echosens Website.