News

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!

_{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.

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

We’re happy to yet again be exhibiting at #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 📅 7–9 May.
🤝 Join us at the highlight of the year! Register today, and lets meet and discuss liver biomarkers at our booth.

Liver disease isn’t just an adult problem.

Today, 1 in 10 children are at risk of MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease), and the numbers are rising fast.

At VLVbio, we believe that prevention starts young – through movement, healthy habits, and community support.

That’s why we’re proud to sponsor a local Swedish youth football team, promoting an active lifestyle and early liver health awareness.

Because every goal scored is a step toward a healthier future! ⚽

Watch our short campaign video below to see how we’re helping raise awareness and protect the next generation, one active child at a time.

#PlayForYourLiver

1 in 3 adults has fatty liver disease. And many don’t even know it.

Today on Global Fatty Liver Day, we stand with the global health community to raise awareness of this silent epidemic and the power of early detection.
At VLVbio, we’re committed to supporting healthcare professionals with diagnostic tools that enable timely action. Read more on how the VLVbio products assist diagnosing steatotic liver diseases here!

Know it. Test it. Treat it. 💚

Dear colleagues, partners, and friends,

As we conclude another remarkable year, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to each of you; our distributors, collaborators, and partners around the world.
2024–2025 has been a year defined by progress, dialogue, and renewed momentum in the MASLD/MASH field. We are truly grateful for the continued trust, engaged discussions, new scientific contacts, and the many constructive conversations we’ve shared with you throughout the year.

The global MASLD landscape is evolving faster than ever. The release of Rezdiffra™ in the United States has already brought meaningful benefit to many patients, marking a long-awaited step forward in treatment availability. With the recent approval in Europe, we are excited to see this progress finally reach European patients, which is a milestone the field has been anticipating for decades.

Likewise, the approval of semaglutide for MASH adds an important therapeutic option. After years of limited tools, we are now entering a new phase where patients with MASH can finally receive the help they need.

But as treatment availability expands, a new challenge has emerged:

How do we effectively monitor patients on therapy?

This question has been raised repeatedly in our conversations with clinicians, KOLs, and partners this year, and it is becoming one of the central needs in clinical practice.

In this evolving landscape, M30 Apoptosense® ELISA has shown clear potential to fill an important part of this gap.
Evidence from multiple clinical trials, including Madrigal’s phase III MAESTRO-NASH trial, has shown that M30® (ccK18) is one of the leading blood-based indicators of treatment response, outperforming several structural NITs in early prediction of change. Importantly, M30® offers:

• – Early, biology-based insight into hepatocellular injury
• – Reliable tracking of treatment effect before structural changes become visible
• – A practical solution for clinics without access to advanced imaging such as MRI-PDFF
• – A low-cost, accessible assay that integrates easily into routine follow-up workflows

As more patients in the US and Europe begin therapy, the need for simple, repeatable, blood-based monitoring tools has never been clearer. We are proud that our M30 Apoptosense® ELISA continues to serve as a scientifically grounded, widely studied option to support clinicians and improve real-world treatment follow-up.

Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to continue supporting you; through scientific collaboration, distributor partnerships, educational materials, and tools that strengthen your local markets. Your work is essential for bringing knowledge, clarity, and better care to patients worldwide, and we value the role you play in this shared mission.

From all of us at VLVbio:
Thank you for a productive, inspiring, and forward-moving year.
We look forward to continuing our work in 2026.

The VLVbio Team

Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) affects millions worldwide, but certain populations face significantly higher risks due to underlying metabolic conditions and lifestyle factors. Early identification and tailored interventions for these high-risk groups are critical in mitigating disease progression and improving outcomes.

 

In this post, we focus on identifying these populations and the role of personalized diagnostics and care strategies.

Who Is at Risk?

MASLD is closely linked to metabolic dysfunction, making individuals with certain conditions particularly vulnerable to the disease. Recognizing these high-risk groups allows healthcare providers to focus resources and interventions where they are needed most.

 

1. Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

Research indicates that up to 70% of individuals with Type 2 diabetes also have MASLD, often progressing silently toward fibrosis or cirrhosis. The interplay between insulin resistance and liver fat accumulation accelerates liver damage in this group.

 

2. Patients with Obesity

Obesity is one of the strongest predictors of MASLD, affecting up to 90% of this population. Excess visceral fat contributes to liver fat deposition and inflammation, increasing the likelihood of progression to more severe disease stages.

 

3. Additional High-Risk Groups

·       Individuals with Dyslipidemia: Elevated triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol are common in MASLD patients.

·       Patients with Hypertension: Often part of metabolic syndrome, hypertension contributes to the overall disease burden.

·       Family History of Liver Disease: Genetic predisposition can heighten MASLD risk.

Identifying these populations during routine care, such as diabetes or obesity management, provides an opportunity to diagnose MASLD early, even before symptoms appear.

The Importance of Tailored Diagnostics

For high-risk populations, non-invasive diagnostic tools are invaluable in stratifying patients by their risk of progression and guiding care decisions.

M30 Apoptosense® ELISA
Biomarkers like M30 Apoptosense® ELISA measure hepatocyte apoptosis, offering a non-invasive way to detect early liver injury. In high-risk groups, M30 can be used to:

·       Identify patients likely to progress to advanced disease stages.

·       Monitor the effectiveness of lifestyle or medical interventions.

·       Provide a measurable outcome to guide therapeutic decisions.

The Benefits of Tailored Diagnostics

·       Risk Stratification: Directs resources toward patients at highest risk, avoiding unnecessary testing for low-risk individuals.

·       Proactive Monitoring: Allows clinicians to track changes over time and intervene when needed.

·       Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces healthcare expenditures by preventing advanced-stage complications.

By focusing on non-invasive, scalable tools, healthcare providers can effectively manage MASLD in high-risk populations without relying on resource-intensive methods like biopsies.

Targeted Interventions for High-Risk Groups

Once high-risk patients are identified, personalized interventions can significantly improve outcomes and prevent progression to severe disease stages.

1. Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle changes remain the cornerstone of MASLD management. Evidence shows that:

 

·       Losing 7–10% of body weight can reduce liver fat, inflammation, and fibrosis.

·       Adopting a Mediterranean diet can improve liver health by emphasizing whole foods, healthy fats, and reduced sugar intake.

·       Structured exercise programs improve metabolic function and reduce liver fat.

 

2. Pharmacological Treatments

Emerging therapies targeting specific mechanisms of MASLD, such as liver fat accumulation or fibrosis, are becoming available. These treatments complement lifestyle changes in patients who require additional intervention.

 

3. Regular Monitoring

Tools like M30 Apoptosense® ELISA enable healthcare providers to track the impact of interventions and make timely adjustments. Regular follow-ups also reassure patients of their progress, encouraging long-term adherence.

Preventing the Burden of Advanced Liver Disease

High-risk populations are at an increased likelihood of progressing to cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma. The long-term economic and clinical burden of these outcomes is substantial. By focusing on early diagnosis and targeted interventions:

 

·       The progression to severe disease can be significantly reduced.

·       Patient quality of life improves.

·       Healthcare systems can avoid the high costs associated with advanced-stage treatments.

Targeting high-risk populations with tailored diagnostics and interventions is a critical step in addressing the global burden of MASLD. Non-invasive tools like M30 Apoptosense® ELISA, combined with lifestyle changes and emerging therapies, provide healthcare providers with the resources needed to deliver proactive, patient-centered care.

 

As MASLD continues to rise worldwide, adopting this targeted approach will play a pivotal role in improving outcomes and reducing the disease’s impact on patients and healthcare systems. Read more here!

Reda Elkhatib

Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is a growing global health concern, with many patients unaware of their condition until significant liver damage has occurred. Early diagnosis is critical, but what happens after a patient is diagnosed? The next step is effective management to prevent disease progression and improve liver health outcomes.

In this post, we explore how lifestyle interventions and diagnostic tools can help patients manage MASLD and how healthcare providers can play a pivotal role in long-term care.

The Role of Lifestyle Changes in MASLD Management

Lifestyle interventions are currently the cornerstone of MASLD management. Studies show that losing just 7–10% of body weight can significantly improve liver health by reducing liver fat, inflammation, and fibrosis (Vilar-Gomez et al., Hepatology, 2015). Patients are often advised to:

1. Adopt a Healthy Diet:
   Diets like the Mediterranean diet, which emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, have been shown to improve liver function. Reducing sugar and saturated fat intake is also crucial.
   
2. Increase Physical Activity:
   Regular exercise, including aerobic and resistance training, can reduce liver fat and improve metabolic health.
   
3. Maintain Consistency:
   Adherence to these changes is key. Providing patients with tailored recommendations and ongoing support can make a significant difference in sustaining these changes.

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in educating patients about these interventions and monitoring their progress over time.

The Importance of Monitoring Tools

In managing MASLD, effective monitoring is essential for assessing treatment efficacy, tracking disease progression, and preventing advanced liver conditions such as cirrhosis. While lifestyle changes are central to improving liver health, non-invasive tools provide valuable insights that guide clinical decision-making and optimize patient outcomes.

The Role of Serum Biomarkers
Among the available tools for MASLD monitoring, serum biomarkers have gained significant attention due to their ability to detect ongoing liver injury and apoptosis. The M30 Apoptosense® ELISA (M30®), which measures caspase-cleaved keratin18 (ccK18), provides a window into hepatocyte apoptosis, an early indicator of liver damage. Research has demonstrated its utility in diverse clinical scenarios:

In a randomized trial, M30® was used to evaluate the impact of weight loss through liraglutide treatment and lifestyle modifications in patients with MASLD. The study showed significant reductions in M30® levels, reflecting improvements in liver injury alongside reductions in body weight and liver fat (Khoo et al., Liver International, 2019).

Following bariatric surgery, M30® identified ongoing liver injury in some patients, even as weight loss improved overall metabolic health. This insight proved valuable for tailoring follow-up care (Hempel et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021​)

By detecting apoptotic activity, M30® provides clinicians with a reliable tool to monitor treatment progress and refine therapeutic strategies.

Complementary Imaging Techniques

In addition to serum biomarkers, imaging techniques such as transient elastography and MRI-based modalities play an important role in assessing liver fat and fibrosis. These tools complement biomarkers by providing structural insights into liver health, allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation of MASLD progression.

While imaging tools are effective, their availability may be limited in some settings due to cost or logistical challenges. This underscores the value of biomarkers like M30®, which are accessible and scalable for routine monitoring.

Integrating Monitoring into MASLD Care

The integration of non-invasive tools into MASLD management offers several benefits:

Enhancing Patient Engagement: Demonstrating objective improvements in liver health can motivate patients to adhere to therapeutic regimens and lifestyle adjustments.

Identifying Non-Responders: Regular monitoring allows clinicians to identify patients who may not be responding to interventions, enabling timely adjustments to care plans.

Tracking Long-Term Progress: Tools like M30® provide measurable feedback on the impact of lifestyle changes and pharmacological treatments over time.

A Balanced Approach to MASLD Monitoring

Effective MASLD management requires a combination of approaches, including biomarkers, imaging, and clinical assessments. The M30 Apoptosense® ELISA is a valuable component of this toolkit, offering an accessible method for assessing liver health and tracking treatment outcomes. Paired with imaging and clinical evaluations, M30® can help healthcare providers develop personalized and proactive care plans for their patients.

Preventing Progression to Advanced Liver Disease

Effective MASLD management can prevent progression to advanced conditions like cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Regular follow-up using non-invasive tools allows healthcare providers to:

• – Identify patients at risk of progression early.
• – Adjust treatment plans based on real-time data.
• – Reassure patients when improvements are seen, encouraging adherence to lifestyle changes.

Studies suggest that consistent monitoring and management can significantly reduce the incidence of severe liver outcomes, improving both patient quality of life and healthcare cost efficiency (Younossi et al., Journal of Hepatology, 2020).

A Collaborative Approach to MASLD Care

Managing MASLD requires a collaborative approach between healthcare providers and patients. Shared decision-making, clear communication, and personalized care plans are essential to ensure long-term success. Non-invasive tools like serum biomarkers and imaging are valuable assets in this process, helping both clinicians and patients stay informed about disease progression and treatment outcomes.

MASLD management doesn’t end with diagnosis. Lifestyle changes and ongoing monitoring are critical to improving liver health and preventing severe complications. By incorporating non-invasive tools like M30 Apoptosense® ELISA into routine follow-up care, healthcare providers can better track treatment effectiveness and support patients on their journey to better health.

As MASLD prevalence continues to rise, combining lifestyle interventions with advanced diagnostic tools is essential to addressing this global health challenge. VLVbio is proud to support this shift toward earlier, more accurate detection through our non-invasive testing solutions. Read more here!

Reda Elkhatib