American Liver Foundation Announces Fatty Liver Disease Education Program

The American Liver Foundation Launches Project Echo for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

The American Liver Foundation (ALF) has announced a new program that aims to educate non-liver experts on the treatment and prevention practices for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This initiative was shared in an ALF news release.

Project Echo: Educating Healthcare Providers

Starting in August, Project Echo will offer monthly virtual sessions to healthcare providers who are seeking to learn how to treat and prevent MASLD. Led by liver disease experts, these sessions will provide practical prevention strategies, mentorship from peers, and access to resources.

The Growing Impact of MASLD

MASLD and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are often referred to as “silent diseases.” They are responsible for a growing proportion of advanced liver disease, which mirrors the global rise in obesity. Despite affecting approximately one in four people worldwide, most individuals are unaware they have MASLD due to the lack of symptoms.

Early diagnosis of MASLD is crucial for a patient’s long-term success. ALF board chair Emmanuel Thomas, MD, PhD, emphasized the importance of providing non-liver partners with the education, tools, and insight needed to recognize the early warning signs and help prevent disease progression.

The Consequences of Untreated MASLD

If left untreated, MASLD can lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. Currently, there are no approved medical therapies for MASLD, so management primarily relies on lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol intake.

Registration and Upcoming Project Echo Sessions

The ALF encourages healthcare providers to register for the free Project Echo sessions at liverfoundation.org/projectecho. The upcoming sessions are as follows:

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Accelerated Approval for Medication

In related news, the Food and Drug Administration recently granted accelerated approval to Madrigal Pharmaceuticals’ resmetirom (brand name Rezdiffra) as the first medication for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), or advanced fatty liver disease. This once-daily pill, in combination with diet and exercise, is approved for adults with MASH who have moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (Stage F2 or F3) but have not yet progressed to cirrhosis (Stage F4). Notably, patients will not require a liver biopsy to be eligible for this new treatment. The approval is supported by results from a late-stage clinical trial, which demonstrated that resmetirom is the first drug to reduce liver fat accumulation and improve fibrosis.

Wayne Eskridge, CEO of the Fatty Liver Foundation, expressed his excitement for the approval, stating that it is a day of celebration for patients with MASH who have been waiting for the first approved therapy.

For more information about Rezdiffra, click here.

Additional Resources

To learn more about MASLD, you can visit the ALF’s dedicated section on their website: #MASLD. There, you will find headlines such as:

• Small Amount of Alcohol Can Raise Risk for People with Fatty Liver Disease
• Global Fatty Liver Day Promotes Liver Disease Screening [VIDEO]
• UT Health Awarded Grants for MASLD Research

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
• SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.
• SDG 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.4: Number of deaths and illnesses from non-communicable diseases, including liver diseases, per 100,000 population.
• Indicator for SDG 4.7: Percentage of health care providers trained in the prevention and treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
• Indicator for SDG 10.3: Proportion of individuals with access to quality healthcare services for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
• Indicator for SDG 17.16: Number of partnerships established to improve the prevention, treatment, and education of MASLD and other liver diseases.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: hepmag.com