Research collab sets sights on MASLD diagnostics advancement in Singapore
Siemens Healthineers and the National University Hospital (NUH) Singapore have launched a research collaboration to advance diagnostic solutions for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), which affects nearly 40% of adults in Singapore, exceeding the global average of 30%. Formerly called Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), MASLD is now the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Its rising prevalence in Singapore reflects growing rates of obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and related metabolic conditions, underscoring the need for more efficient and patient-friendly liver care.
The initiative is led by Associate Professor Dan Yock Young, Senior Consultant at NUH’s Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Associate Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. A leading hepatologist, his contributions to liver disease research have set international standards, bringing both clinical expertise and global perspective to the project.
The study will assess Siemens Healthineers’ ultrasound technologies, Ultrasound-Derived Fat Fraction (UDFF) and Auto Point Shear Wave Elastography (Auto pSWE), which allow physicians to measure liver fat and stiffness non-invasively in one session. These tools provide safer, more cost-effective alternatives to MRI and biopsy, enabling earlier detection, precise monitoring, and timely intervention that could reshape liver care in the region.
Vy Tran, President for Asia-Pacific Japan at Siemens Healthineers, said the partnership with NUH aims to explore how advanced ultrasound can offer affordable alternatives to invasive or costly imaging. She added that making these technologies accessible in both hospitals and polyclinics could lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes across Asia Pacific.
Associate Professor Dan Yock Young said the collaboration marks an important step in confronting MASLD, which is becoming a major health concern in Singapore. He explained that NUH’s expertise in liver and metabolic health, combined with strong research and Siemens Healthineers’ technology, positions the team to develop new ways to detect, treat, and prevent the disease.
The research will be part of the upcoming National University Centre for Digestive Health, scheduled to open in January 2026, which aims to expand patient access to advanced diagnostics.
Chaitanya Mehrotra, Head of Ultrasound for Asia Pacific at Siemens Healthineers, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to combat fatty liver disease by bringing ultrasound innovation to the frontlines of care, empowering physicians with better tools and giving patients hope for a healthier future.
By combining NUH’s clinical strength with Siemens Healthineers’ technological innovation, the collaboration seeks to advance medical research, improve patient outcomes, and promote sustainable healthcare innovation for all.
Category: Education
