Health technology company Echosens and Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk A/S (CPH:NOVO-B) (NYSE:NVO) announced on Wednesday that the two companies have entered into a partnership to advance early diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), as well as increase awareness of the disease among patients, healthcare providers and other stakeholders.
NASH is a chronic metabolic liver disease which is caused by build-up of fat and inflammation in the liver. It affects over 115 million people globally. The condition causes progressive damage to the liver and can lead to end-stage liver disease and death.
Due to lack of symptoms in the early stages, NASH often goes undiagnosed. It is estimated that nine out of 10 people living with NASH are undiagnosed. The companies said broadly accepted non-invasive tests for diagnosing people living with NASH are needed to significantly increase early diagnosis, as confirmatory diagnosis currently relies on an invasive procedure known as a liver biopsy.
Echosens and Novo Nordisk will collaborate to support additional clinical validation, generation of real-world evidence and adoption of non-invasive diagnostic tests for NASH and work together to increase awareness of the disease and the importance of early diagnosis and management. Echosens and Novo Nordisk have a shared ambition of doubling diagnostic rates for people living with advanced to severe NASH by 2025.
Echosens offers FibroScan, a non-invasive solution for comprehensive management of liver health.
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