Authors from leading academic, clinical, and research institutions examine the urgent need for action in addressing metabolic liver disease worldwide
San Diego, CA, February 18, 2025 — A new peer-reviewed article titled “Addressing the High and Rising Global Burden of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH): From the Growing Prevalence to Payors’ Perspective” was recently published in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. The article, which appears in Volume 59, Issue 8, is accessible online at https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.70020.
Authors of this publication include:
Zobair Younossi, Arun J. Sanyal, Vlad Ratziu, Naim Alkhouri, Mazen Noureddin, Eric Lawitz, Naga Chalasani, Kenneth Cusi, Quentin Anstee, Rohit Loomba, Stephen Harrison, Jeffrey Lazarus, Wayne Eskridge, Christin Lauridsen, Homie Razavi, Marcus Hompesch, and Michael Sherman.
This expert consensus piece provides a timely and comprehensive overview of the metabolic and public health implications of MASLD (formerly known as NAFLD) and MASH. The article explores the continuum of metabolic dysfunction that underlies these liver diseases, including insulin resistance, inflammation, and lipid dysregulation—factors that are also core contributors to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.
The authors emphasize that the rising global prevalence of MASLD is now a major driver of liver-related morbidity and mortality, posing a significant burden to healthcare systems and payors due to its progressive nature and lack of effective, widely accessible diagnostics or treatment strategies. The article highlights the urgent need for:
- Improved awareness and education among providers and patients
- More precise non-invasive diagnostics
- Early and effective preventive interventions
- Policy initiatives and healthcare system adaptations to address long-term economic impact
“As we continue to see MASLD emerge as one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time, this article brings together key clinical and economic perspectives that underscore the need for urgent, coordinated action,” said Dr. Marcus Hompesch, CEO of ProSciento and contributing author. “Addressing MASLD will require a shift in how we approach chronic metabolic diseases across clinical, regulatory, and policy frameworks.”
This publication contributes to the growing body of literature that aims to bridge the gap between clinical science and health economics, offering actionable insights for stakeholders across healthcare systems, including clinicians, researchers, regulators, and payors.
To read the full article, visit: https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.70020.