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Table of Contents
- Singapore Collaboration Aims to Revolutionize Fatty Liver Disease Diagnosis with Advanced Ultrasound Technology
- Rising Prevalence Fuels Urgent Need for Innovation
- Pioneering Research Lead by Leading Hepatologist
- Ultrasound Technology Offers Non-Invasive Choice
- Expanding Access to Advanced Diagnostics Across asia Pacific
- NUH Expertise Combined with Technological Innovation
- New Digestive Health Center to Enhance Patient Care
- A Shared Commitment to Combating Fatty Liver Disease
A new research partnership between siemens Healthineers and the National University Hospital (NUH) Singapore is poised to dramatically improve the detection and management of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), a growing health crisis affecting nearly 40% of Singaporean adults – a rate exceeding the global average of 30%. This initiative represents a significant step toward addressing the world’s most common cause of chronic liver disease,formerly known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).
Rising Prevalence Fuels Urgent Need for Innovation
The increasing rates of obesity,sedentary lifestyles,and related metabolic conditions in Singapore are driving the surge in MASLD cases,highlighting the critical need for more efficient and accessible liver care solutions.According to a company release, the collaboration will focus on leveraging cutting-edge diagnostic tools to address this escalating public health challenge.
Pioneering Research Lead by Leading Hepatologist
The research will be spearheaded by Associate Professor dan yock Young, a Senior Consultant at NUH’s Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and an Associate Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. Recognized internationally for his contributions to liver disease research, Professor dan Yock Young brings invaluable clinical expertise and a global perspective to the project.
Ultrasound Technology Offers Non-Invasive Choice
the study will evaluate the performance of two advanced ultrasound technologies developed by siemens Healthineers: Ultrasound-Derived Fat Fraction (UDFF) and Auto Point Shear Wave Elastography (Auto pSWE). These innovative tools enable physicians to measure liver fat and stiffness in a single, non-invasive session. “These technologies provide safer, more cost-effective alternatives to MRI and biopsy,” one analyst noted, potentially enabling earlier detection, precise monitoring, and timely intervention.
Expanding Access to Advanced Diagnostics Across asia Pacific
Vy Tran, President for Asia-Pacific Japan at Siemens Healthineers, emphasized the partnership’s goal of exploring how advanced ultrasound can provide affordable alternatives to more invasive or expensive imaging techniques. “Making these technologies accessible in both hospitals and polyclinics could lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes across Asia Pacific,” she stated.
NUH Expertise Combined with Technological Innovation
Associate Professor Dan Yock Young underscored the importance of the collaboration in tackling MASLD, which he described as a “major health concern” in Singapore. He explained that the combined expertise of NUH in liver and metabolic health, coupled with Siemens Healthineers’ advanced technology, will facilitate the advancement of novel approaches to detect, treat, and prevent the disease.
New Digestive Health Center to Enhance Patient Care
The research will be conducted within the framework of the upcoming National University centre for Digestive Health, scheduled to open in January 2026. This new facility is designed to significantly expand patient access to advanced diagnostic capabilities.
chaitanya Mehrotra, head of Ultrasound for Asia Pacific at Siemens healthineers, affirmed the partnership’s commitment to bringing ultrasound innovation to the forefront of care.”This reflects a shared commitment to combat fatty liver disease by empowering physicians with better tools and giving patients hope for a healthier future,” he said.
By uniting NUH’s clinical strengths with Siemens Healthineers’ technological advancements,this collaboration seeks to drive medical research forward,improve patient outcomes,and foster sustainable healthcare innovation for all.
