CREATING A WORLD WITH NO UNDIAGNOSED LIVER DISEASES

Join us for an enlightening webinar presented by Jessica Tuohy, a distinguished partner and colleague from the US, focusing on the significance of K18 as a biomarker in the development of treatments for MASH (Metabolic Associated Steatohepatitis). This webinar is essential for drug developers, doctors, researchers, and key opinion leaders in the field of metabolic liver diseases, offering deep insights and key research findings.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, April 23
• Time: [1pm EDT, 7pm CET]

Webinar Overview: This session will cover several critical areas:

• – An Introduction to the Growing Epidemic of MASLD (Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease)
• – Challenges in Developing Therapies for the Treatment of MASH
• – An Overview of K18 and Its Role in MASH Pathogenesis
• – A Review of Data That Support the Value of K18 as a Biomarker for Assessing the Efficacy of Drug Candidates in MASH Clinical Trials

Who Should Attend:

• – Drug developers in the field of MASLD and MASH.
• – Physicians and healthcare professionals specializing in hepatology, gastroenterology, and related fields.
• – Medical researchers focusing on liver disease and drug development.
• – Key opinion leaders in metabolic liver diseases.

Registration: Please register here to secure your spot in this informative webinar. Registration is required to access this online event.

Additional Information: If you are unable to attend the live event, a recording will be made available to all registered participants, ensuring you can access this webinar at your convenience.

We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an informative and transformative session.

For more information, please contact us at marketing@vlvbio.com.

Don’t miss out on the chance to advance your knowledge in MASH treatment and diagnostics. Reserve your spot today!

We are thrilled to share a momentous achievement in our longstanding collaboration with our esteemed Japanese partners, the Institute of Immunology. This announcement comes during a meeting filled with collaboration and shared successes as Mr. Ito, Mr. Akira, and Ms. Yukiko from the Institute of Immunology paid a visit to our headquarters in Stockholm.

During this collaborative visit, we had the pleasure of discussing plans for the imminent launch of the IMMUNIS Cytokeratin 18F EIA, a project that holds significant promise in the realm of diagnostic medicine. This project has been a work of dedication and innovation, and the collaboration between VLVbio and the Institute of Immunology has been instrumental in its success!

We are happy that the IMMUNIS Cytokeratin 18F EIA has gained official approval as an In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) for the diagnosis of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) from the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) in Japan! This recognition underscores the product’s efficacy and reliability in contributing to the diagnosis and management of NASH, a condition of growing concern globaly as the epidemiology of the disease keeps increasing at an alarming rate. The need for a biomarker to identify patients with NASH and who are at risk of significant liver disease is of utmost importance, and we are happy that the Keratin 18 assay can assist in that!

_{The IMMUNIS Cytokeratin 18F EIA ELISA kit}

Of equal importance, the IMMUNIS Cytokeratin 18F EIA, developed by the Institute of Immunology, has been included in the national health insurance system in Japan. This recognition ensures widespread accessibility, facilitating broader usage of this diagnostic tool within the Japanese healthcare community.

We are pleased to announce that the official launch date for the IMMUNIS Cytokeratin 18F EIA is scheduled for February 26th to the Japanese market. This date signifies the conclusion of a meticulous research and development process and exemplifies the collaborative efforts between VLVbio and our esteemed partners at the Institute of Immunology. The IMMUNIS Cytokeratin 18F EIA, launched by the Institute of Immunology, is poised to make a substantial impact on the field of NASH diagnosis, providing healthcare professionals with an additional tool to enhance their diagnostic capabilities in Japan.

As we celebrate this milestone and the successful visit from our partners, we extend our gratitude to all individuals who have contributed to the realization of this project, including the dedicated team members and esteemed partners at the Institute of Immunology. Congratulations to you all!

• Keratin 18 in Alcohol-associated Liver Disease

• – What is ALD and what is the role of K18 in ALD?
• – How can measuring K18 aid in ALD patient management?
• – Learn about the use of K18 in early ALD diagnosis, detecting severe Alcoholic Hepatitis (AH), prognosis for survival, and predicting treatment response in ALD patient!

Click here to access the full brochure!

We are heading to Milan for the EASL Congress together with the European Association for the Study of the Liver!

We’re happy to yet again be exhibiting at the face-to-face #EASLcongress with EASL | The Home of Hepatology! We are happy to yet again be an industry partner for the biggest liver event in Europe!

The latest in hepatology is happening 📅 5–8 June.
🤝 Join us at the highlight of the year! Register today, and lets meet and discuss liver biomarkers at our booth.

Today marks World Obesity Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the growing epidemic of obesity and its profound impact on health. While the visible effects of excess weight are well-known, it’s crucial to delve deeper into the associated health risks, such as Metabolically Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD), a silent threat that often goes unnoticed until it reaches critical stages.

The Silent Threat: MASLD

MASLD, a condition linked to obesity, is a silent liver disease that often progresses without any overt symptoms. As the world grapples with rising obesity rates, MASLD has become a significant concern due to its subtle nature and potential to lead to severe liver damage. The liver, a vital organ responsible for various metabolic functions, can be adversely affected by the accumulation of fat, inflammation, and fibrosis associated with MASLD.

Raising Awareness: A Necessity for Change

This World Obesity Day, it’s imperative to shed light on MASLD, a condition that lurks beneath the surface, silently compromising one’s liver health. Awareness campaigns and educational initiatives play a pivotal role in encouraging individuals to make informed lifestyle choices, promoting early detection, and seeking medical advice.

Diagnostics and Treatments

In the fight against MASLD, advancements in diagnostic tools offer a glimmer of hope. Cutting-edge technologies, such as non-invasive biomarkers and imaging techniques, enable healthcare professionals to detect MASLD in its early stages, allowing for timely intervention and before last stage disease. Regular screenings for individuals at risk can make a substantial difference in preventing the progression of this silent liver disease.

As we recognize World Obesity Day, it’s essential to emphasize the need for innovative treatments for MASLD. Pharma companies and researchers are exploring novel therapeutic approaches, ranging from lifestyle interventions to pharmaceutical developments, aiming to mitigate the impact of MASLD on liver health. Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers are vital to develop effective strategies for preventing and managing MASLD in the context of the global obesity crisis.

Addressing the obesity epidemic and its associated health issues, including MASLD, requires a collective effort. Governments, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and individuals alike must collaborate to implement policies that promote healthy living, foster early detection, and ensure access to appropriate treatments.

On this World Obesity Day, let us come together to raise awareness, destigmatize health issues related to obesity, and advocate for the development of comprehensive strategies that address not only the visible consequences but also the silent threats like MASLD. By working together, we can pave the way for a healthier and more informed future.

Read more on how the M30 Apoptosense^® ELISA can aid in diagnosing NASH and fibrotic NASH

Read more on how the M30 Apoptosense^® ELISA can aid in diagnosing pediatric NASH

Read more on how the K18 assays can help in NAFLD clinical trials

Reda Elkhatib

As we bid farewell to another extraordinary year, the VLVbio team takes a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our journey. The past year has been marked by incredible strides in liver disease research, groundbreaking innovations, and a surge in global awareness for chronic liver diseases. We are thrilled to be active contributors to this fast-growing and dynamic field, working towards a future where liver diseases are better understood and effectively addressed.

One of the highlights of our year was the opportunity to connect with professionals and experts from around the world at various conferences, including the EASL Congress and the AASLD Liver Meeting. These events allowed us to share insights, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful collaborations with individuals who share our passion for advancing liver disease research and treatment. The exchange of knowledge in these settings has been invaluable; reinforcing our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in liver health.

At VLVbio, we are especially proud to witness the growing awareness surrounding MAFLD a condition that often lurks in the shadows, asymptomatic and unnoticed until reaching advanced stages. Our dedication to shedding light on this silent liver disease is unwavering, and we are encouraged by the progress made by several patient advocacy groups and non-profits in increasing public awareness and understanding.

This year also marked a significant change in the nomenclature for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) to Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). This shift reflects an evolving understanding of the condition, acknowledging its metabolic roots and paving the way for more precise diagnostics and targeted treatments.

As we look ahead to the coming year, our team is filled with excitement and renewed energy. We anticipate a year of continued growth, exploration, and, most importantly, a year where we hope to finally see the approval of the first MASH treatment. This potential breakthrough holds the promise of transforming the lives of millions of patients affected by MAFLD. Our commitment to our vision of a world with no silent liver diseases is centered on the belief that every innovation, every discovery, brings us one step closer to a world where liver diseases are not only detectable but treatable.

The prospect of making a positive impact on the lives of patients motivates us daily. Our dedication to research, innovation, and collaboration remains steadfast, and we are eager to face the challenges and triumphs that the coming year will undoubtedly bring.

As we reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, we extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, collaborators, and the entire liver disease community. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in our success, and we look forward to continuing this incredible journey together.

Warm regards and Happy Holidays!

The VLVbio Team

Reda Elkhatib

We are happy to announce that we have partnered up with XboXLab for the distribution of the VLVbio kits in Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway!

The M30® and M65® biomarker assays are widely used in the field of hepatology, mostly within the chronic liver diseases such as Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The biomarkers are used for IVD in Europe for the identification and diagnosis of MASH patients, as well as for the follow up of intervention effect. Other than the clinical use, the kits are also used in clinical research, where the biomarkers are included in the reduction of screen failure and as a secondary or exploratory end-point to check for treatment effect of new drugs in MASH clinical trials.

To all our Nordic customers, for more information, please visit XboXLab’s webpage or contact them directly:

Peter Blom
peter.blom@xboxlab.se
Tel: +46 107 888 331

We are heading to Düsseldorf for the MEDICA Trade fair this November. Reach out to us to book in a meeting between November 14th-16th. We are happy to meet new business partners, customers, or start new collaborations!

October is not just the month of pumpkins and Halloween; it’s also Liver Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on the importance of liver health! The liver plays a crucial role in our bodies, yet many people remain unaware of the silent threats that can affect it, particularly chronic liver diseases. In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of Liver Awareness Month, the prevalence of chronic liver diseases, with a focus on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), the challenges of diagnosing silent liver diseases, and the importance of raising awareness, finding, diagnosing, and treating patients effectively.

The Silent Threat: Chronic Liver Diseases

Chronic liver diseases are a growing global health concern. Often referred to as the “silent killers,” these conditions can quietly progress over many years without any noticeable symptoms until the damage is severe. The liver is essential for metabolizing nutrients, filtering toxins, and producing proteins, making its health vital for overall well-being.

One of the most common chronic liver diseases is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). NAFLD (or MAFLD) is characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver cells of people who drink little to no alcohol. It is often associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. NAFLD can progress to a more severe form known as Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH or MASH), which includes liver inflammation and can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer.

The Challenge of Diagnosing Silent Liver Diseases

One of the main challenges in addressing chronic liver diseases is the difficulty in diagnosing them early. Since these conditions typically manifest without symptoms until significant liver damage has occurred, many individuals are unaware of their condition until late later disease stages.

Standard biomarkers of liver injury can be valuable tools to indicate a problem with the liver, but are non-specific and may perform poorly in the early detecting of NAFLD and NASH. Therefore, it is essential to complement the use of standard biomarkers in order to increase the accuracy for detecting and stratifying NAFLD and NASH patients at an early stage, before advancements into end stage liver disease.

A Patient’s Perspective

To understand the challenges of diagnosing silent liver diseases better, let’s hear from one NAFLD patient:

“I had always thought I was in good health until a routine check-up revealed something unexpected. My doctor told me I had a fatty liver with possible inflammation and fibrosis, but I had no symptoms at all. It was purely coincidental that we found this out. I’m still uncertain about where I stand in the disease progression and what steps I need to take. It’s been quite confusing, not knowing whether I should be worried or if there’s something I can do to improve my liver health.”

Liver Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of liver health. It is a crucial time to educate the public about chronic liver diseases, their risk factors, and the significance of early detection. Community awareness campaigns, healthcare professionals, and patient organizations play a vital role in spreading knowledge about liver health. Additionally, finding patients with silent liver diseases requires proactive efforts. Routine health check-ups should include liver function tests for those at risk, such as individuals with obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. Educating primary care providers about the importance of early screening can also lead to more timely diagnoses.

Here, measuring Keratin 18 (K18) has been shown to be a sensitive indicator of NAFLD and NASH, can aid in NAFLD staging, increase the accuracy of biomarker panels for fibrotic NASH, and follow up treatment effect on the liver.

Early diagnosis and intervention are key to managing chronic liver diseases effectively. While there is no specific medication for NAFLD or NASH as of today, lifestyle changes like weight loss, a balanced diet, exercise, and managing underlying conditions like diabetes can slow or even reverse liver damage in some cases.

Liver Awareness Month in October is a crucial opportunity to raise awareness about the silent threats posed by chronic liver diseases like NAFLD and NASH. By increasing public knowledge, advocating for routine testing in at-risk individuals, and promoting a healthy lifestyle, we can work together to prevent liver diseases from progressing to irreversible stages. Remember, early detection and intervention can make all the difference in preserving liver health and improving the lives of those affected. Let’s make liver health a priority this October and beyond!

Read more on how the M30 Apoptosense^® ELISA can aid in diagnosing NASH and fibrotic NASH

Read more on how the M30 Apoptosense^® ELISA can aid in diagnosing pediatric NASH

Read more on how the K18 assays can help in NAFLD clinical trials

Reda Elkhatib

Liver diseases, particularly those associated with alcohol consumption, pose significant challenges to public health worldwide. Identifying these conditions at an early stage can be crucial for effective management and prevention of disease progression. In the pursuit of more accurate diagnostic tools, researchers have studied Keratin 18 (K18), a protein with the potential to change our approach to alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) diagnosis and prognosis. A recent study led by Dr. Maccioni (2023) and his team sheds light on K18’s role as a promising biomarker for early-stage ALD, offering new insights into disease detection, progression, and potential therapeutic interventions. This is further highlighted by an excellent overview of K18 in ALD in Dr. McClain and his colleagues’ Editorial published in Alcohol: Clinical & Experimental Research.

K18, a critical component of epithelial cells particularly in the liver, plays a pivotal role in keeping the structural integriry and safeguarding hepatocytes from apoptosis (programmed cell death) and necrosis. Extracellular K18 is a marker for epithelial cell death, and serum levels can be significantly elevated following hepatocyte death. K18’s levels increase in response to hepatocyte death, making it a potent indicator of the underlying liver damage. During cell death, loss of cell membrane integrity results in the release of intracellular proteins, including K18, into the extracellular compartment. The caspase cleaved form of K18 (ccK18) is a biomarker for apoptosis which can be detected in serum by the M30 Apoptosense^® ELISA . The M65^® ELISAs detects both caspase-cleaved and uncleaved K18. Thus, measurement of K18 by the M65^® ELISAs can both quantify hepatocyte death and can differentiate necrosis from apoptosis. Several groups have used M65^® as both a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) (Vatsalya et al., 2020, Bissonnette et al., 2017, Woolbright et al., 2017, Atkinson et al., 2020). Importantly, K18 more accurately measures the magnitude of cell death in alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) than the regularly used AST and ALT levels.

In this study, Maccioni and his team explored the potential of M65^® as a diagnostic biomarker for early ALD cases. By assessing patients in a rehabilitation program, the study found that “K18-M65 separated minimal liver disease from early ALD (AUROC=0.8704; p<0.0001) with an optimal cut-off at 265.9 U/I”. This discovery would potentially offer a reliable method for identifying ALD at its nascent stages, when intervention is most effective.

Traditional markers like AST and ALT levels, while informative, may fall short in accurately characterizing the extent of liver damage in ALD. Maciconi et al‘s study emphasizes that “K18 more accurately measures the magnitude of cell death in ALD than the regularly used AST and ALT levels”. This heightened accuracy offers a profound advantage in disease assessment and prognostication, enabling medical practitioners to tailor treatment plans more precisely.

The study also touches on an intriguing aspect; patients falling into the “grey zone.” Some individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) exhibited K18 levels in the grey zone, indicating possible impending severe AH also shown in earlier trials (Bissonnette et al., 2017). This finding highlights M65^®‘s potential to identify patients who might otherwise be overlooked by conventional markers, ensuring that those at risk receive timely intervention.

The Maccioni et al. study could show that M65® allows detection of early forms of ALD, as well as distinguishing early ALD from the minimal forms of liver disease with a high accuracy (AUROC=0.8704). They also saw that M65® is an independent predictor of more severe forms of ALD, confirming earlier studies that have been done using the biomarker. The authors conclude that the M65® assay can be helpful in in- and out-patient units for:

As research on K18’s diagnostic capabilities deepens, exciting prospects emerge. The study’s robust findings underscore K18’s potential as a diagnostic tool across diverse populations. I would like to end this post by quoting directly from McClain and his colleagues’ Editorial:

“The authors make a strong case for using K18-M65 for detecting early and more aggressive ALD in patients such as those admitted to alcohol treatment programs. Research teams around the world are using terms such as early ALD, mild ALD, “walking ASH”, non-severe ALD, and others to define patient populations with early but clinically relevant ALD. Using tests such as K18, it is becoming clear that there are many of these patients hiding in plain sight. We, as hepatologists, are increasingly teaming up with AUD treatment teams to treat our patients with more severe ALD. In a similar vein, addiction specialists and primary care physicians need to know when to refer patients with AUD to hepatologists. The K18 may be an excellent biomarker for assisting in the decision making. The K18 is not yet FDA approved but the value of this test as an important biomarker across the spectrum of ALD is becoming increasingly clear.” (McClain 2023)

Access the paper here.

Access the Editorial here.

Reda Elkhatib