2021 has confirmed the rise in the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is part of a multisystem disease and is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. A proportion of patients with NAFLD develop non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), with increasing hepatic fibrosis leading eventually to cirrhosis, liver cancer, end-stage liver disease and death. However NASH remains a major unmet medical need and patients with NASH are left with very few management options apart from lifestyle interventions.

2021 saw some significant progress regarding pharmacological approaches with the positive results of the phase 2b NATIVE trial. This trial featured a pan-PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) agonist that modulates key metabolic, inflammatory, and fibrogenic pathways in the pathogenesis of NASH.

There is a still a long way before we can close all the gaps in the field of NASH. In 2022, the PanNASH initiative will increase its efforts to contribute to awareness, education and research. We wish you a happy 2022 despite of the current COVID 19 pandemic and look forward to your proactive interaction with the PanNASH platform in 2022.
Best wishes