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!

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!

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!