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Echosens and Boehringer Ingelheim: A Stronger Partnership for MASH

Echosens, a leader in non-invasive liver diagnostics, has joined forces with the international biopharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim to strengthen their long-standing collaboration. The objective of this partnership is to accelerate advancements in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASH). With over 250 million people estimated to be affected globally, MASH presents one of the most dangerous yet underdiagnosed challenges in healthcare today.

Tackling a Global Health Challenge

MASH is a chronic condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, leading to inflammation. It is particularly prevalent among individuals suffering from obesity, and if left untreated, it can result in severe complications such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately liver failure. Alarmingly, it is estimated that less than one in five patients with MASH is diagnosed, illustrating the urgent need for scalable, non-invasive tools for screening and continuous care.

In this expanded collaboration, both companies aim to bridge existing gaps in awareness, clinical evidence, and acceptance of advanced clinical practices related to MASH. This new phase of their partnership will focus on:
1. Raising awareness about MASH among patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to emphasize the urgent need for early screening and diagnosis.
2. Promoting streamlined care pathways by fostering collaboration among healthcare providers and medical specialties.
3. Enhancing the understanding and accessibility of non-invasive technologies (NITs) through scientific collaborations, which will generate compelling evidence supporting their role in managing patients with MASH.

As Sandy Sommer, the Therapeutic Area Head for Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolic Diseases at Boehringer Ingelheim, points out, “For too long, serious liver diseases like MASH have gone unnoticed. With the rising rates of MASH and the global obesity epidemic, now is the time to tackle liver diseases head-on.” She highlights that MASH and obesity are profoundly interconnected chronic illnesses requiring collective efforts from multiple organizations to combat effectively.

Innovative Diagnostic Technologies

At the forefront of Echosens’ contributions is FibroScan®, a non-invasive technology for assessing liver function, which has significantly influenced research on liver diseases conducted by Boehringer Ingelheim. FibroScan® continues to play a pivotal role in two ongoing Phase III studies focused on Survodutide, a potential treatment for MASH and related metabolic disorders such as obesity. Traditional liver biopsies can be uncomfortable and invasive, but FibroScan® represents a quick, painless, and economical alternative, making it a viable option for widespread use in clinical settings.

Survodutide combines GLP-1 receptor agonists with glucagon, showcasing a novel therapeutic approach to managing MASH. It is currently part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s robust research and development portfolio targeting cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases.

Commitment to Global Liver Health

Dominique Legros, CEO of Echosens, expressed enthusiasm about deepening their collaboration, stating, “We are excited to deepen our collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, whose innovative approach has the potential to advance the treatment of MASH.” He emphasized the partnership’s commitment to support the global liver disease community by enabling smarter clinical trials and increasing access to non-invasive diagnostic tools.

About Echosens and Boehringer Ingelheim

Echosens is a pioneer in non-invasive liver assessment, having transformed liver health management with FibroScan®, recognized and validated by over 5,384 peer-reviewed publications and 218 international guidelines. The company operates in over 127 countries, performing millions of liver exams globally.

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company focused on human and animal health, known for its dedication to research and development. Since its establishment in 1885, Boehringer has remained independently owned and committed to sustainability across its value chain, employing over 54,500 people worldwide to foster a healthier, more sustainable future.