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Strengthened Collaboration to Tackle MASH

Echosens, a leader in non-invasive liver diagnostics, and Boehringer Ingelheim, a global biopharmaceutical company, have announced an expansion of their long-standing partnership in a bid to tackle metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). As one of the most dangerous and underdiagnosed causes of liver failure affecting more than 250 million people worldwide, MASH represents a significant healthcare challenge that requires urgent attention and innovative solutions.

The partnership's renewed focus encompasses shifting beyond clinical studies to address crucial areas such as early detection, diagnosis, and improving access to care for patients affected by this condition.

Raising Awareness on MASH

The new phase of collaboration will prioritize raising awareness about MASH among patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. This initiative aims to highlight the urgent need for early screening and diagnosis, considering that MASH often goes undetected in its early stages. Due to its asymptomatic nature initially, it’s estimated that fewer than 20% of individuals with MASH receive an official diagnosis.

Optimizing Treatment Pathways

Furthermore, Echosens and Boehringer Ingelheim intend to facilitate the implementation of optimized treatment pathways. This involves fostering greater collaboration between health organizations and medical fields to ensure that patients receive timely and effective interventions. By enhancing communication and cooperation, both companies hope to create a more cohesive healthcare approach, ultimately benefiting patients with MASH.

Expanding Access to Non-Invasive Technologies

Moreover, the partnership will focus on expanding awareness and access to non-invasive technologies (NITs), including conducting scientific collaborations to generate robust evidence related to the effective use of NITs in managing MASH. One of the prominent tools in this effort is the FibroScan®, a non-invasive method developed by Echosens that assesses liver health.

With FibroScan®, medical professionals can quickly, painlessly, and affordably evaluate liver conditions, serving as an alternative to traditional liver biopsies. Its implementation has already played a crucial role in the research initiatives undertaken by Boehringer Ingelheim, supporting ongoing Phase III studies involving Survodutide, a novel potential treatment for MASH and associated metabolic disorders like obesity.

Challenging Chronic Health Issues

Sandy Sommer, Head of the Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism therapeutic area at Boehringer Ingelheim, stated, “For too long, severe liver diseases such as MASH have been overlooked. With the escalating number of MASH cases mirroring the obesity epidemic, we must commit to combat liver diseases decisively.” He emphasized that addressing the interlinked chronic conditions of obesity and MASH requires a concerted effort from multiple organizations.

Dominique Legros, CEO of Echosens, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, acknowledging its potential to enhance treatment options for MASH. He indicated that the collaboration reflects their continuous commitment to improving liver health on a global scale through smarter clinical studies and broader access to non-invasive diagnostic tools.

Conclusion: A Comprehensive Response to MASH

The expanded partnership between Echosens and Boehringer Ingelheim marks a significant step towards bridging existing gaps in awareness, evidence, and clinical application regarding MASH. As the prevalence of this condition rises due to the growing obesity epidemic, initiatives aimed at early diagnosis and effective management are imperative. By investing in innovative technologies and optimizing healthcare pathways, these companies are taking decisive action to improve the prognosis for millions impacted by MASH.

About Echosens

Echosens has changed the landscape of liver health management with its pioneering FibroScan® technology, recognized and validated through numerous scholarly publications and international guidelines. Their commitment to making non-invasive liver testing accessible spans over 127 countries, allowing millions to benefit from comprehensive liver assessments.

About Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim is dedicated to developing innovative therapies in both human and animal health markets. Founded in 1885, the company emphasizes long-term sustainability in its operations, ensuring contributions to a healthier and more equitable future for all. With over 54,500 employees across 130 markets, Boehringer is committed to meeting high medical needs through its continuous investment in research and development.